Respect your ELDERS
Dear Take 5ers,
I’ve recently moved into a granny at in my daughter Emily’s garden. My husband passed away three years ago. The house felt too big without him and I wanted to be closer to town. When Emily and her hubby, Dan, kindly suggested I move in, I sold the house and used the money to build the at. It’s been fantastic. I’m close to the bridge club and the library, and I get to see more of my three grandkids. Emily usually cooks for me as I’m not much of a chef, in return I mind the kids after school. Last week Emily asked me to contribute $400 per month for bills and groceries. I know the cost of living crunch is hitting everyone and I did charge her rent and bills through uni. But it’s a bit of a kick in the teeth, I fed and clothed her for 18 years! What happened to respect your elders? Trish*, 68
I don’t see a problem here. It’s only $100 a week and that seems fair to me. She’s not disrespecting you at all. You charged her rent when she was at uni and I think she thinks it’s okay to ask you to do the same since you’re now living there. I know you paid to have your granny flat built, but you’re using the utilities and sharing their meals so what she’s asked you to pay is reasonable. Count yourself lucky you don’t have to struggle to find somewhere to live and end up being homeless. Julitha Mary
You fed and clothed her for 18 years because that was your job as her mother. It seems you’re getting a lot of pleasure out of the move. My daughter is paying $350 per week in rent, I think $400 a month is quite reasonable. Appreciate what you have Trish, as many out there don’t have your luxuries. Rosemary Brown
That’s a fantastic deal, you couldn’t get a cheaper deal anywhere! I don’t see an issue. Of course you should contribute! Angelique Summers
Wow! What a miserable old granny you are, you chose to have her and charged her rent through uni, you’re lucky they wanted you in the backyard. Just $400 a month – I bet those costs when you had your own home were triple that. Pam Muller
Considering they will make money from inheriting the value of said granny flat in the future, and your babysitting saves them heaps, negotiate maybe half that amount towards utilities, etc. Fair’s fair.
Robyn Kendon
You’ve paid to have a granny
at built on their property, it has increased their house value, you mind their kids without payment which saves them money on day care. Stick to your guns and tell them you’ll cook your own meals and get a separate electricity bill so you’d only have to pay them for rates and water. They’re the ones who’ll enjoy what you contributed to their inheritance. Best of luck. They have you over a barrel because you’ve paid quite a bit of money on their land so you could help them out. You cannot sell the at to move away. Karen Sue Bennett