Post # 32
Member
2083 posts
Buzzing bee
We gave our parents keys, but I definitely regret giving husband’s parent’s the keys. Since we moved in I’ve come home to find them there multiple times with no one else home. Mostly doing helpful things, but things that are unnecessary for sure. Like one day I came home to find Father-In-Law AND husband’s uncle in the basement painting the walls. 1) I had no idea that this was going to happen at all, so they started doing it without letting me know they were painting anything and 2) They could have at least called me to tell me they were coming. It’s definitely obnoxious, especially because I like knowing that my home is our private space without worrying about other people coming in without us there, but I get the “safety” part of giving the keys to others.
Post # 33
Member
365 posts
Helper bee
I have no problem with my parents having a key to our place. However I would never NEVER give FIL’s a key ever! FI’s dad is a little shady, he is using our address for things and I think he may have a part in the indentity theft issue Fiance is dealing with. FI’s mom is shady herself. Fiance did give her a key once at our first apartment. I did NOT agree, we had friends down the road I felt more comfortable with. Fiance wants a relationship with his parents that is just not there 🙁 Anyways, when we were moving he asked his mom and dad to help (whole different story) and his mom literally went through our stuff right in front of me. We weren’t unpacking we were loading the truck. She sat upstair in my papasan chair and opened boxes went through them and told Fiance how she remember these things from the last move (which she wasn’t there for), I am assuming she probably went through our stuff when she checked on the apartment. Which wasn’t just ok the cats have food and the place is secure, no she basically lived there while we were gone. Ughh… My parents are not like that at all.
Post # 34
Member
990 posts
Busy bee
I would also be a little weary about letting family in the house while I am gone, but it is nice just in case something happens (god forbid) while you’re away
Post # 35
Member
2790 posts
Sugar bee
We live in a rural area where we are surrounded by SO’s family so we don’t lock our doors. Ever. His parents rarely come in without us home, only to drop something off like an invitation or some food.
I would give either sets of parents a key. Neither are the snooping type. I definately agree though that it is a person by person basis.
Post # 36
Member
46 posts
Newbee
I never would. I only have my mother left for parent but she is legally blind so my youngest brother lives with her, and I dont trust him as far as I can throw him. Because our new house might be just down the road, one more reason NOT to give a key.
Post # 37
Member
8028 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
My mom has a key, but his parents don’t.
Post # 38
Member
95 posts
Worker bee
Well, this could potentially turn into a sticky situation. If you’re uneasy about giving them a key, I suggest two options.
1. just buy the watering globes that gradually water your plants throughout the week. I believe they’re sold at Walmart for about $10. This will give you an easy out.
2. If you do want to give them a key, give them the key to the doorknob and not the deadbolt. While on vacation, just lock the doorknob so they can get in. And, when you’re home and going out to work, the store, etc. lock both the doorknob and the deadbolt so they can’t get in even if they tried to.
Post # 39
Member
1315 posts
Bumble bee
I like the key box, with a code, idea. At least that way if something’s actually wrong you can allow someone get in in a hurry. But you’re only going for a few days, so I’d just give the plants a good soak the morning you go! dodge the issue for another while! It all comes down to how comfortable you are with them. TBH, I think the fact you’re even asking the question tells you the answer. My Future Mother-In-Law has our key and would only use it in an emergency.
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