Steps to Take When a Child or Relative Moves into Your Home

Today's economic environment has made many individuals question whether they can continue to live on their own. With the employment rate at an all time high, massive lay offs and cutbacks, rising credit card debt, and the prospects of not finding a decent paying job right away, many people are opting to move back home with their parents or move in with other family members. In many cases, three generations may be living in the same household.

Whether you are a parent who has finally gotten over the empty nest syndrome, has gotten accustomed to your way of living and then all of a sudden you find your son or daughter wants to move back, or a member of your family wants to move in because of financial difficulties, it is extremely important for you to establish some non-negotiable ground rules. If it means drawing up a written contract and having that individual sign that document, then do it. In the long run, this will save you a lot of heartaches and misunderstandings. Remember this is your home, and you have every right to make the policies as to how you and your home should be respected. If they can't abide by those regulations, then they can find somewhere else to live.

Unless you have made long-range plans with your son, daughter or other relatives, make it clear, that the person(s) is a guest in your home, and their stay is short-term. Give them a time frame as to when they will have to leave. If you want them to pay rent or room and board, but their funds won't allow them to pay a set amount, have them contribute in other ways. He or she can do their own laundry, prepare the meals, or do the housework. If he or she has their own bedroom, then that individual should keep that room neat and clean and make up their own beds, not you the owner of the premises. If a person has certain home improvement skills, he or she can apply those tasks to help perk up your home.

It can be even more stressful if more than one family member is moving into your home. Again, the same rules would apply to them. If no smoking or drinking is permitted in your home, enforce that rule. If partying on the weekends, engaging in recreational drugs, inviting strangers for an over night stay or coming in all hours of the night are unacceptable, say so. If dogs and cats are not allowed, don't assume that person won't have other species from the animal kingdom as pets. You may end up with a bird, lizard or hamster occupying your space. Be consistent in the management of your home. If a person breaks any of the rules you have set forth, there should be no second chances. This may sound harsh, but remember, this is your home; you pay the mortgage or the primary rent; so, you enforce those policies. If a person has a problem following the guidelines you set forth, then it is time for him or her to find some place else to live, relative or not.