How do I prevent my in-laws moving in?

We’re financially dependent on my husband’s parents. We live (rent free) in a large house they own and frequently need to ask them for cash injections because our incomings don’t cover our outgoings. The price we pay, however, is them dropping in unannounced and staying for weeks. When I gave birth in 2017 they turned up the day I returned home after a Caesarean section and stayed for a month. Far from helping, they dominated the baby, lectured me and got in the way. Now their house is being renovated and my partner has warned me that they plan to move in with us until the New Year. How do I prevent this when my nerves are already shattered? It’s high time you established some ground rules. I understand that your wealthy in-laws own your property, but you must be allowed some privacy and autonomy in the place you consider home.

Simply turning up is arrogant and disrespectful. Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a free ride. If continuing to live in their shadow is going to compromise your marriage and impact on your ability to cope, then do you need to think about full independence in the future? Times might be tough in a place of your own but at least you’d be able to shut the front door and call the shots.