SIMPLE RULES FOR HARMONY AT HOME

Both sides should agree from the outset on how they divide household tasks such as washing up and floor sweeping.

Clarity over issues such as privacy, bathroom time, and entertaining friends is essential.

Parents could set a notional rent, putting the money collected into a special bank account for a future deposit.

Boomerang children and partners should not treat low or no rent as an excuse to spend lavishly on other items.

It’s better if kids volunteer rather than parents insist but whatever is agreed needs to be written down.

Insurance can be a problem. Besides additional items to cover, some insurers will increase premiums to cover extra adults.