Would you charge your child rent once they turn 18?

Question

What are your thoughts on charging your child rent? My parents make me pay them 200$ a month. I’m 21, and have a part time job and barely make any thing. I also have to pay for my car insurance and gas and food. I barely have $ to save up. I’ve been taught at a young age to work for what I want and anything I own I bought myself. Thoughts?

nitsuj86 · Accepted Answer

I think that depends on the child, it's not a black and white answer.

An 18-21 year old child, that is a good student, is going to college and or working a decent job, or living with me to save money for their own house then NO, I would probably not make my child pay rent in this case. Their payment is working hard to get into school, get the house, or get to that next level.

Having said that... the way you frame your questions, you do not sound like that child. You are 21, work a part-time job, and sounds like nothing is going to change that anytime soon. Are you in school? If not, you should be working a FULL-time job. Unless you are disabled, there is no excuse. We also don't get to hear about your parent's financials at all. Maybe they have trouble paying the bills, and having one more person in the house doesn't help.

You say you pay for your own food, but I doubt your parents don't allow you access to the pantry or cook/clean for you. They also ALLOW you to live in their home for $200 dollars. Which is the cheapest rent you will ever find, and much better than any apartment you would find for 3-4x your current rent, and that's not including utilities, which you also seem to not pay there.

The point is overall, you sound like an entitled child. Which is probably the reason your parents are making you pay rent. So you will understand the value of money, what it takes to actually live in this world, and not just live off of them for the rest of your life.

Sounds like you have good parents. You should be grateful.

BeMuse · Accepted Answer

Nope.

Aerissa_Jade · Accepted Answer

I would not start charging them until after they graduate from high school, if they turned 18 before the end of the year.

IF they decided to attend college at their own expense or student loans, as long as they were going to school full time I would not charge them either. I would expect them to help around the house though, keep things clean and tidy.

I would start charging them rent after graduation and if they were not attending college to help them become an adult.

Right now the economy is doing great, millions of open jobs out there, no reason you can't find a full time job. Around here, many are starting at 18 to 20 an hour... sure they are shitty jobs like the graveyard shift at the taco place but a job is a job until you find something better.

I'm not saying I'm going to charge them the going rate though, I'd charge them enough to cover, food, utilities, and if they were on my health insurance their portion of the premiums. It would still be cheaper than them moving out on their own.

Prettygurl12 · Accepted Answer

I don't have a problem with it. Their legal obligation to provide for you no longer exists once you're an adult. I lived at home until I was 24. My parents chose not to make me pay rent, but they'd be well within their right to do so if they'd wanted to.

I had a friend growing up whose parents were unreasonable in this area, though and I think it's a big reason as to why she turned out the way she did 😂

When she turned 8 they made her get a paper route and they made her do chores around the house. Neither of these things are unreasonable. What I thought was unreasonable was that they calculated out the square footage of her bedroom in relation to the rest of the house/property and charged her that amount of money every month.

Like... say their house was 2,000 square feet and her bedroom was 10x10. So they would make her pay "her share" of the mortgage/property taxes, electricity, etc.

So... at least your parents didn't do that 🤷🏼‍♀️

Anonymous · Answer

Here is what MY situation was.

Unofficially, when I worked, I’d be expected to pay some limited expenses (before turning 18) which was fine.

Starting at 18, I was expected to contribute more. I still got some benefits, like being on parent’s health insurance until the cut off, not paying the bills (at first), but always contributing.

In college, I contributed a small amount to dorm living - sort of a rent, I guess. After college, I paid a small rent on top of other things (voluntarily), though I wasn’t charged rent officially. Sometimes I paid a small rent on top of my insurances and car (etc). Sometimes I couldn’t do rent every month like clockwork, but I’d try to make it up by doing more around the house for the parents.

I think it’d be a similar thing I’d ask of my kid. If they work, they contribute financially as well as doing chores. i don’t kick them out on their butt right away or force them to fly away until later - but they are to contribute and they are hopefully raised to recognize their blessings and be thankful and not entitled and spoiled.

If they don’t work, and don’t go to school, they’d better make up for it a bit in time and energy. If they’re 18 and playing video games all day and not contributing, and taking advantage, then they’d be out “in the real world” faster. I understand a break, but I think I’d be quick to punt them out if they got too mouthy or entitled too often.

But I don’t know if I’d charge a specific amount at least til 21, but there has to be something. If they’re going to college, I’d count that as unpaid work, and that’s what they’re supposed to focus on. So I’d let them slide a little more. I think after school, then yes, they better do a lot to either save us money, or contribute more income.

MCheetah · Answer

Depends if they were grateful or a lazy bum leeching off my good will. My b*tch mom charged me rent when I was 18 and older, while also b*tching about me moving out, and this was during the late 2000s, aka The Recession. It's like, "how TF can I move out when you're charging me $300 a month and I'm making minimum wage, stupid c*nt?"

I think you posted about this before, and I mostly took your side, while most others said "rent costs more in real life," not getting that most people know that and that you can't move out while also paying your mom rent, as well. They had a stupid take on it, in my opinion.

I'd only charge rent if my child was a leech and could easily afford to move out but chose not to, and even then, that'd be a failure of my own parenting, instead of solely on them.

Oigit · Answer

It's a parents job to ensure their kid is self sufficient and able to support themselves. I'd be embarrassed if my kid was not. So either my 18 year old is paying rent and everything else they need or want if they are living at home. The only acceptation to paying rent at 18 is if they are in collage and living at home. But that is the only acceptation to not paying rent and supporting yourself.

Any kid that expects to live at home after 18 rent free while not attending collage is lazy, entitled and has shit parents.

MysticDevice · Answer

If its a lesson in responsibility and they plan on giving you that money back in full then its fine.

But if they're charging you because "if you're gonna live in this house then you need to pitch in." To which my response was always "Oh, I'm sorry that being born and having to live in your house is inconvenient for you. Its not like I chose either of those"

I hate hate hate hate it when parents treat their kids like they're an inconvenience.

To answer your question: no, absolutely not. IF, and that's a big "if", I ever have kids I'd never pull something like that on them.

Jabberjaw · Answer

I'll have them pay their car insurance.

If it's something they use I want them to understand it and appreciate it. But they won't have to pay rent or pay their phone bill. Just keep them on the family plan.

I would give my sons a cut off for when they have to move out at 25, unless they are actively building a business and they're in the start up phase.

They can stay for free in that case. Daughters can stay pretty much indefinitely until they have a husband to move in with.

But to be real if I meet my financial goals early enough and I'm a mmultimillionaire I'm not going to have them paying for anything. I will be teaching them to do business at a young age tho.

Not gonna raise weak children

MarkRet · Answer

When a child turns 18, they're legally an adult, so they need to start handling responsibility. When our two daughters turned 18, we had them start paying their own way, like rent, car insurance, etc. You don't want them to get TOO comfortable hanging around the house. Regardless, they STILL had a pretty good deal. The rent we charged them was WAY lower than what they would have paid renting an apartment, and they were still getting free electricity, cable, internet, water usage, laundry, food, etc. As they would get a year or two older, we'd start cutting back on the financial freebies. They gotta grow up!

globetrotter22 · Answer

It’s okay if:

1. It’s an acceptable amount of money. If $200 is too much then ask if you can work out a deal for $100. However you do cost your parents more money via utilities (electricity, hot water). I also take it you are eating the food your mom buys?

2. If you are paying rent than you are officially a TENANT vs. a minor living under parental control. Your parents need to respect your boundaries (e. g. never enter your room without permission.). This also means you should be able to have a sígnificant other over from time to time.

3. Your mother shouldn’t be claiming you as a dependent on her tax returns. If she does then your tax liability goes up. My dad this when I briefly moved home at 23. It lowered his tax liability by 500 and increased mine by 500. That was a lot of money for me back then. A lot.

Anyway you say you are just working part time. Why can’t you get another part time job or work full time?

Alwayreckles93 · Answer

You have good , Once I turn 18 and the child support paychecks stop coming from my dad to mom I was useless to my mom and kick out I had to go to a friend's house in the middle of the semester senior year. My mom took all of my child support money and yet I clean cook and become responsible. You should consider yourself lucky that you are even allowed to still live at home.

Jamesshinobi · Answer

at the age of 18 you are an adult. you should act like one. now i know times are harder and many have to stay home longer, but you should still be able to afford at least 20 to 25% of your income to pay for housing. my pop made me pay $75 a month when i was 18.(1999) it helped him out, wasn't too much for me, and got me ready for the real world. Now my friends that were slightly better off charged their kids 100 a month but they saved all of it without telling them and gave it back to them when they moved out. the kids learned a lesson AND their parents were able to give their kids a helping hand.

Kaneki05 · Answer

I live on benefits without a job yet still pay rent to my mum. So if someone don't I would love to know their excuse tbh.
I know America has a worse beneficial system been less socialist than England though so maybe doing that over there would be a good excuse as not able to do so. But over here it's doable. I is such proof.

Fuentes · Answer

Boo hoo lol sorry to be mean but i pay over 2.5k in rent in So Cal have 6k left on my car note and i pay car insurance and electricity and gas. on Plus i have 6$ gas to deal with. I wish i could work a part time job and be barely making it. Your parents are teaching you something good, nothing is FREE.

Once you leave the nest the world is a HELL of a lot different. So you can either get a fulltime job or find a side hustle to make more money. Not sure why at 21, you tbink you don't need to work FT in this economy lol

Keyboardkat · Answer

Did you and your parents ever discuss this beforehand? Was the amount negotiated or did they just present it to you as a fait accomplis? While I think it fair that you pay them something, this is not only a business arrangement, or shouldn't be. I think there should be some leeway here, some consideration for how much you get paid and what you're trying to accomplish. If they ever expect you to move out and be on your own, they ought to make it possible for you to save something!

ZackBan · Answer

Parents like that make laugh.
Humans think they are so immortal.

The way I see it you will eventually be paying your parents back all the money they paid when you care for them in their old age. But if they want an early payment I hope they save it up well because I don't know how much you will owe them when they are old and decrepit

20yearsolder · Answer

I agree with your parents, the things that you work your ass off for, You will cherish and feel pride that you earned it, you purchased it. Kids that get handed everything they want, don't appreciate or take care of those things. Your parents are making a fantastic and responsible adult.

Wsx2wsx2ws · Answer

Yes.
Your paRENTS are great. They are teaching you to not be entitled so the world don't rape you while you hold your hand out for freebies.
You sound like someone they would be proud of.
$200 is dirt cheep so its wise on your part to stay home.

HawkPerception · Answer

I'm 28 and still live with my mom trying to figure out my life. I have never had to pay rent and I know I'm blessed for it. I would never charge my kids rent at any point in my life. I would only support them and whenever they feel they're ready to leave the nest then that's when they can deal with their own bills. The only times I would start charging them is if they have kids of their own or if they're very inconsiderate in the house not caring about money, food, etc.

limsasi · Answer

Yes, because out in the real world you'll have more bills than that to pay. They're actual teaching you a very valuable lesson. Responsibility and how to manage your finances. My parents never asked me pay rent/bills, but I offered because I live there, and I'm an adult.

IJhonnyI · Answer

ANYTHING YOU OWN, you bought yourself and they still make you pay rent yea that's unfair unless you feel entitled and say that they have too keep you in the house because legally they don't have too but at the same time they are being really rude towards you so I'm sorry in general 🙏🏽

sage2021 · Answer

When I was 16 I was in highschool and mom was a single mom working low wages. So, at 16 I had to get a part-time job and go to school still. I didn't contribute to paying our rent, but I had to pay for my good, school clothes, shoes, make-up, school supplies, gas money to drive to work and sometimes work was a 30 minute drive. I never stopped working until 30 year's later.

MTC29 · Answer

I don't think you have it too rough.

Back in the late 70's I paid my mother $50 per month, which is about $200 today. I was a full-time university student, so I had to squeeze a part time job in somewhere to pay "rent", car insurance, and gasoline.

XXblack88 · Answer

$200 sounds fair for rent and food. If you tried renting an apartment you would be paying a lot more + the cost of food and everything else you need to live off of. I could see cuting a child a brake if they were in college trying be better themselves.

EarthRealm · Answer

Part time job at what a McDonald’s
Quit complaining about money when getting a better job is as easy as Signing up to be work at the Amazon warehouse to make 18 an hour you are just a victim that wants to have a reason to complain so you don’t even bother to get an Instant job with no Interview at Amazon warehouse.
But hey don’t listen to me I’m just the evil dick for telling you the error of your ways

genericname85 · Answer

yeah. i'd expect them got get a job and pay their part, if they wanna keep living at my place. of course i'll still try to catch them if they fall but at that point. but i won't let them freeload without good reason anymore. not cause i am mean. but cause i think that's terrible for their personal development.

joeldalton · Answer

It depends on the situation with the child. If a child is going to college, making good grades, and working when necessary - I would not charge that child rent. If it was a child who refuses to get an education and wants to work part time with no motivation, I'd charge rent. If it was a child with a GREAT job making a ton of money, I'd charge them rent.

fonduegirl · Answer

No. I'm intelligent enough to know having kids is a choice. I don't have to spend on someone and later charge them. Thank god, my parents and I see eye to eye on this subject.

TransAm85 · Answer

They're trying to teach u how to manage money. My mother was a leech. Soon as I turned 18 and I was still living at home, she charged me $400 and this was back in 2003! I moved in w/my Grandma in '06 and she only charged me $200.

Anonymous · Answer

I too was taught from early on if you want something earning it yourself felt really good.
I paid my own mother and still did things needed around the home to relieve her. It teaches real world responsibility from a loving source. And in my mothers case helped her out. My father was a leach. Just sat around. So ashamed of him.

RingusUrDingus · Answer

7.25x40=290

And thats assuming you have a minimum wage job in a state that hasn't raised their minimum wage.

Horshit. You can work 2 weeks of the month and have your rent, food, gas and insurance covered.

you're just fucking lazy, get to work. No one owes you anything in your life.

Anonymous · Answer

I was charged rent, more than that, and I think it’s fair. If you’re a working adult why shouldn’t you contribute? You’re not a child anymore.

Part of a parent’s job is to prepare you for adulthood. When you move out you’ll be paying out more than you do now.

Guy13 · Answer

Yes…and 120. 00 over half of house payment for both utility usage and W/D wear-tear. Actually, I would charge them the same 109 over and send their Arses to the laundromat…hopefully that will create get the the F- out motivation…

boredgal · Answer

I won't do that to my future kids. They can stay with me as long as they want but there are conditions, they need to work, contribute to the house expenses, groceries, bills and learn how to be independent but I'm not charging them with the rent.

altdbob · Answer

Unless they were still in school no, I would continue to help them out while in school.
Once out of school they have 6 months to find a job and help with the bills or flat out pay rent.

Now if they choose to pay rent, I might just put it all away and collect interest so I could gift it to them at a later date.

All this depends on the child of course. If needed I might kick their ass out of the house once they turn 18.

exitseven · Answer

I provide room an board while they were in college. They all commuted. After the y graduated I said they had one year to live for free and after that they had to pay something. All three of them moved out before that happened.

AviatorTom · Answer

If the child has a job and living with parents, they should be contributing to household expenses. Parents shouldn't charge "rent" but parents and child should have a discussion about what contribution is reasonable.

boldlyblu · Answer

Yes, help with chores to. Because it's our place he/she lives there. I would do these things because in The real world that is what is expected from another person residing within the apt, house, etc

Reaper1985 · Answer

When I got my first job at 16 back in the early 2000s my mother never requested I pay rent. However I still offered to help with household bills to ease her burden a bit. Because money was tight in my family growing up even with her working 2 jobs.

sheikalana · Answer

I don't think I would charge them a rent. My parents didn't do that do me but I would make sure they continue with their studies otherwise they need to find a job because I'm not going to buy them other stuff apart from food, water, electricity.

Pinay_ako · Answer

I don’t mind helping my parents out at all. Even if I’m not living with them. It’s just a natural thing to do. But I will teach my child to be independent with money and how to spend it wisely…

steel_wolf · Answer

If they were in meaningful education to build their career, no.

If they have a legitimate career of their own, they can find their own place to live.

If they are in a dead end menial job then yes, I would to push them into something productive.

Adam1978 · Answer

If the kid has a real job they should pay rent. It's that simple. It's a part of being an adult, to learn that nothing is free and should be taken for granted.

gkumar8991 · Answer

I like the idea of charging them a small amount of rent, saving that money, and then presenting it to them when they move out so they can use it for a car or house or apartment or furniture.

Of course it depends on whether they can afford it.

Someone80004 · Answer

Nope I would never As long as they do sth to contribute to the house or are in college

midnightmoon05 · Answer

You asked this question a month ago.  Move out. And stop complaining.

Exterminatore · Answer

They’re barely charging you anything. $200 doesn’t even cover your food. I8 is a bit young, 21 is not. Your parents don’t owe you a living. That has to be understood.

Safa01 · Answer

No I would not. And if I did i would keep the money as a saving for them so they have money for a deposit and furniture when they moved out.

Mangospacho · Answer

Rent for your child should be high enough that they will have to hold a job to pay it but low enough that it doesn’t prevent them from saving up for their own place.

Subarugirl · Answer

I think it's great way to teach your child responsibility and money management skills. If you don't like it you could move out. I was paying them 1000 in rent every month at 19 years old.

Paul09 · Answer

My parents never asked me. But I started paying them cash and I payed for the satillite. But I had a full time job , at that Point. If you're going to school, maybe not. Might be they are trying to teach you what the real world is like

Sparkie460 · Answer

Once I got out of school I had to pay 300 dollars a month for room and board. I had a car payment, insurance, gas for my vehicle and personal items. Back then I made $3.35 an hour

WhitneySnow · Answer

My parents already told me I can live with them rent free through college and graduate school

leighbee · Answer

My parents had full access to my bank and had my card

slatyb · Answer

What are you doing besides working part-time? What's your plan to support yourself?

GoodGuyBreakingBad · Answer

If you live in the USA, see if you qualify for Snap benefits ( Food Stamps )

Adronicus · Answer

I wouldn't have children where I see things headed.

Redstang88 · Answer

My deal was I didn’t have to pay rent as long as I was in school, I think that’s more than fair.

PatriceONeal · Answer

They're still keeping you around though. If anything they should kick you out and make you flap your wings.

baserunner611 · Answer

My mom and dad but give my sister thrown the month back to her. Dad says she got to pay something if I go hand money back

boobliker · Answer

i wanted to but never did, you are lucky to have a car with a P/T job

Blueeyes81 · Answer

20 years ago I had to as well. 100 a month. Parents are only responsible up to the age 18. To me its reasonable to charge rent. Its tough love.

rebeliouse · Answer

@lily42091 well you have learnt the value of money it might help if they taught you how to make more of it or even better how to set up your own business so others made it for you.

Would you charge your child rent once they turn 18?

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