Despite living in a large HCMC home, my in-laws rely solely on well water

Since marrying 15 years ago, I have lived with my husband’s parents. His two younger sisters moved abroad for education and work, and with no plans to return to Vietnam, they are uninvolved in family decisions.

Previously, my in-laws ran a business. They built a combined home and company space to facilitate operations and reduce expenses, giving priority to work areas. After operating for over 12 years, their business encountered challenges and was ultimately shut down.

Located on a street front in Ho Chi Minh City, the house spans an area of 6x25 meters and includes six floors, yet only has four bedrooms and one kitchen, with the remaining space being vacant or used for storage. The fragmented layout complicates daily activities, especially since there is no elevator.

Over the years, needs and preferences have changed, yet my in-laws maintain their lifestyle from more than 15 years ago. When their company was active, the costs of monthly cleaning and annual maintenance were manageable as business expenses. However, since the business closed, the house not only fails to produce income but also accrues additional depreciation and maintenance expenses.

Renting out parts of their six-story street-front property could potentially generate VND40-50 million (US$1,571-$1,964) per month according to current market rates. Despite the potential income, my in-laws choose frugality with minor expenses to compensate for their financial losses. I tend to turn on lights in rooms I use, whereas they turn them off to save on electricity. The well water they use, being of inferior quality, causes rust and damages appliances. Unoccupied areas of the house deteriorate, significantly worsening without maintenance.

My father-in-law, nearing 80, once fell ill and was unable to use the stairs, requiring my husband to carry him. Despite these challenges, when we express our concerns, my in-laws respond that if we are dissatisfied, we are free to leave, affirming their intent to remain in the house until their deaths.

Apart from their current residence, my in-laws own three other properties that generate VND60-70 million a month in rental income. Financially, they are secure, but given their age, is residing in a six-story house without an elevator practical? If we move out and they become ill, does our responsibility end?