The teen’s parent shared the dilemma to Mumsnet, under username LifeIsGreatForUnicorns, where they revealed their son was splitting his time between the family home and his gran’s.

He decided to stay with his grandma as she lived near where his apprenticeship was based, which was two hours away by train.

The parent, thought to be based in the U.K., explained: “As we was staying all week and most weekends an agreement was made he would pay her £400 ($463) a month.”

But in six months, circumstances changed, and he reduced his visits to around twice a week.

In response the teen split the payments to £200 ($231) to his gran, and £200 ($231) to his parents, but the Mumsnetter felt this was unfair as over the last three months, her son had only stayed at his gran’s three times.

“I suggested I get the money instead,” they wrote.

Charging relatives to stay is often a thorny issue, as Shaun Martin, CEO of The Home Buying Company, told Newsweek, there are always “many factors to consider.”

“Some people might say that it is always acceptable to charge a family member for staying over, as it is simply a matter of business.

“Others might argue that it is only acceptable to charge a family member if the individual is in need of money or if the arrangement is causing financial hardship for the host.”

Clear communication was key if any payment arrangements are being made, as Martin continued: “Each situation is unique and must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If you are considering charging a family member for staying with you, it is important to consider all of the potential implications before making a decision.

“You should also be sure to communicate your plans clearly with the family member in question to avoid any misunderstandings.”

He shared tips on broaching the subject with relatives, adding: “You should explain your reasons for wanting to charge, as well as any concerns or reservations you may have. It’s also important to give the family member in question a chance to share their thoughts on the matter.

“Charging a family member for staying with you could potentially damage your relationship. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before you make a decision.

“If you do decide to charge a family member for staying with you, it’s important to communicate your plans clearly. This will help avoid any misunderstandings. Be sure to discuss the details of the arrangement, such as how much you will be charging and when payments will be due.”

LifeIsGreatForUnicorns added more background information, continuing: “When he stays at MIL in the last 3 months, she doesn’t cook for him (he buys his own food) & he brings his washing home—whereas at home, he generally eats with us, his washing goes in, etc.

“MIL has said that if he stays in future he needs to pay £25 ($29) a night to stay (no food being offered still!)”

The U.K. is currently in the midst of what’s being called a “cost of living crisis,” seeing energy, food and gas prices soar.

A report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) release last week, revealed 93 percent of adults reported their cost of living had increased when compared to last year:

“The main reasons reported by adults for the rise in their cost of living over the past month were an increase in: the price of food shopping (92%). Their gas or electricity bills (78%). The price of fuel (46%).”

The majority were funding the hike through cutting back on nonessentials, and using less energy—gas or electricity—in their home, which could explain the nightly charge.

The older woman, thought to be in her 70s, lived in an unmodernized house alone, and although she didn’t have a mortgage although she was paying off a loan.

“Last year she stayed with us for 3 months whilst having work completed on her house which we funded and took out a large amount added to our current mortgage which she now pays the interest only on (approx £125 [$144] pm) never clearing the capital as her house was in a terrible state with no proper heating and electricity upstairs etc.

“We did not charge her for staying with us and she made no contribution whilst here (as in she never even paid for a takeaway one night!),” the Mumsnetter said.

The post, which can be read here, amassed more than 150 responses since being shared on Thursday.

Numerous people felt the mom-in-law was out of line, as TurtleCavalryIsSeriousShit thought: “Definitely not!! Have you mentioned all of this to her? I think she’s being very cheeky!”

FairyLightAddict replied: “I’d rather get an AirBnB than pay her. She’s outrageous. But why did you fund her house? Weird.”

Thehop commented: “The cheeky cow! Bill her for £25 ($29) a night when she stayed and ask when she’s clearing her loan?”

But Wereongunoil said: “If she shouldn’t be charging neither should you. Double standards there I think.”

While Weepachu thought: “She is a CF but I also think it’s ridiculous you charge your son when he’s on an apprenticeship. Give the lad a bit of a head start in life.”

Newsweek was not able to verify the details of the case.

The chart below, provided by Statista, shows the breakdown of the cost of living.