How much rent should I charge my son and future daughter in law. They just moved in and are expecting a baby.

Question

I am a single parent and I am struggling to make ends meet. So, Yes I do need the money. She just lost the baby and my son is a truck driver across country.

Answer 1

This is tough, but you are definitely going to have to charge them a reasonable amount, which will cover the additional expenses of the household.

I have two friends who were too soft on their kids, did not charge enough to cover the expenses; and one has filed bankruptcy, and the other has actually lost her house, and is moving back into an apartment, because she is so behind on everything. To be in your fifties, and having to go backwards, is a horrible feeling.

You need to figure out what the average costs are for you and whoever else has resided with you before your son and future daughter in law moved in, and charge them a comparable amount. They need to split all of the expenses with you, or you are going to end on the short end of the stick.

Not too be nosy, but why are they residing with you anyway? If they are old enough to be having a baby together, they should be working and supporting themselves and not depending on Mom for food and shelter. Do not let yourself become the victim here, you will receive nothing but grief and stress from it. I do not want to sound mean, but this ends up being a losing situation for the parent-grandparent more often than not.

I wish you all well, and congadulations on the baby. Grandchildren are wonderful.

Answer 2

When charging an offspring rent there are things to consider, First, what is the income of the person you will be getting rent from. Second, are they saving to move into their own accommodations. If they are not saving and you think they should be, you may want to charge them rent and put the money aside for them. charge them a quarter of your house payment. Give them an opportunity to be able to save for a possible apartment and for the birth of the child. Let them know you expect monetary compensation for rooming and boarding them.
If you do not, then you've set yourself up for a long term resident who will never pay for anything but expect all of the amenities.
Also charge them for the utilities and grocery bill. 1/2 of the utilities bill and do not forget the phone bill. Keep track of who you call so when you get your bill you can charge them for their usage.

Answer 3

Do you need the money? or are you trying to teach some responsibility?

If responsibility is the goal, then check to rental section of the local paper, or go online for your community.. allowing for onsite laundry services, kitchen services, etc... baby sitting services, if daughter-in-law works. Then knock about 1/3 off

If you don't need the money, and they are saving for a place of their own, set up a separate checking account, only you need to know about this account. put the rent checks in this account. when they are on their feet financially, write them a check as a house warming present or put it a fund for the baby.

If you need the money.. Then you've done a good deed.

You're a nice mom.

be sure to lay down the ground rules before, so there are no mistakes beforehand.

Good Luck.

Answer 4

I would charge them 1/3 less then what they would have to pay living some where on there own. If you want to help them out and feel bad I would when they are ready to move give them 1/2 of the money they gave you back so they have some sort of savings to back them later. If you let them live for free they will never move and never save any money.

Answer 5

It's hard to tell not knowing your financial situation, but I think you should charge them some sort of board. Because if you don't then they'll live with you forever and expect free handouts all the time! I lived with my inlaws for 2 years and never payed board, rent or major stuff for the house. Big mistake! We are always asking for handouts when it gets tough...shame on me and my husband! But because of our children we know they'll give what they can! We have decided not to do it again but try and just live with what we have and our own problems. Hope that helps a little!

Answer 6

I would say to not charge rent as them moving in hasn't increased your rent, but give it a month or 2 and see how your other expenses fluctuate. Like PG&E, the phone bill, and water & garbage. Sounds funny for the garbage, but with all of those diapers you might start over filling your garbage and be charged for the extra.

Suggest that they do they own shopping for groceries. I wouldn't start labeling items as long as they're bringing in as much as they're eating.

Answer 7

Charge them what it actually costs you. The extra food, and the higher bills. Don't charge them so much that they cannot save for a place of their own, that is self defeating. Bravo to you for taking them in, THAT is what being a mother is all about.

Answer 8

I say a good $400 and help out with the bills and buy their own food, detergent items, hygiene. I mean come on it's so expensive to live anywhere now a days they shouldn't complain.

Answer 9

400 a month and that is for starters. we have the same problem and we're retired. well guess what with food and all it started costing us more and we're losing intead of nothing. i mean to break even they hae to pay and help. i mean 1/2 the groceries and 1/2 the utitlies and they would cost them to live anywhere else. so what is new.