Is it illegal to make a working, 17 yr. old dropout pay rent at home?

Question

We live in Indiana. Where can I find reference to that law?

P.S.- I'm the mom in this case, and we think a minimal amount of rent should be sufficiant.

I apologise for the confusion, here.

Answer 1

Let me tell you something.

I've conducted over 500 job interviews and while school may have been hard, your life will be a lot harder in years to come if you don't finish school. Why? Because you will have trouble finding any type of work that will pay above poverty wages. Most companies that pay any amount of wages will require you to have a high school diploma because they have a LOT of applicants for higher positions.

You may think that a job at a fast food restaurant or a part time job may be enough right now, but wait until you really have to pay rent for an apartment. It won't be that easy.

Have you thought about how you are going to support yourself after you turn 18, even if your parents don't make you pay rent?

You need to consider your future.

You have a long life ahead of you and I applaud your parents for taking this stance. If you don't want to make something of your life, why should they make it easy for you. Parents work for their money, and if you want to be treated as an adult, then you need to take responsibility for your actions.

I know that I'm being harsh here, but you WILL regret dropping out of school later on.

And NO, it's perfectly legal for your parents to make you pay rent. If you don't believe me, call the local police and ask them.

Do yourself a favor. Go back to school. No matter how bad it was there, your life will be a lot better in the long run. YOu only have to go through school for a short while longer and then you can go out and earn money.

Answer 2

At what age can a child move out of the house, in Indiana? In Georgia, it's 16.

I say that if they are beyond that age, and have no intention, and are not showing a reasonable effort, to acquire a GED or a High School Diploma via some sort of program, that they should buck up, and be ready to be an adult, because thet was the world they said they wanted, over a world of education and childhood. I empathize with them, but, they world away from home is a lot more harsh than having to pay a little rent.

Answer 3

As a mother of a recently turned 18 year old daughter who as we all know, once they turn 18 they know everything. Apparently that is something that happens at midnight on their 18th birthday. :)
Anyway, we have told our daughter that as long as she is not only GOING to school but also PASSING school she does not have to pay rent.
She works part time and is finishing up her senior year of high school.
We told her once gradutation she will either have to enroll in school/trade/college or she will be paying 300.00 a month for rent.
We do not require her nor our other children to do "chores" around the house, yes they do help on weekends if asked to do something. But our number one priority is good grades.
For our 18 year old, she does not see school as a priority, so to not only keep her there and passing we told her she would have to pay rent.
My opinion if your daughter dropped out of school, she should either move out and pay up! She has to learn life lessons one way or another this is a way.
What I would recommended (as we had planned on doing if need be) is make her pay rent and put it away, she does not need to know you are saving the money for her at a later time.
We had planned on charging rent, and saving it for her so when she moved out she would have some money.
BUT after 18 and graduation, if she choices to live here and not attend school she is NOT going to live rent free and we will use to help buy her food and pay her bills as well.
Law says we have to maintain them till 18th, there is NO law saying we have to be walked all over.
Good luck

Answer 4

No it is not illegal however I recommend the parents set a reasonable amount and force the teen to sign a contract. Either that or the freeloading bum can A. get the hell out or B. pay rent or C. Join the military if they don't like those choices. ....... Shadow Stalker

Answer 5

I doubt that there is any legal precedence.

But if one is an adult and living at home, enjoying the comforts and benefits of home life, don't you think that that person SHOULD do SOMETHING to help out around the house?

I don't know about you, but when when I'm told that I have the right to "...Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness...", it doesn't mean "FREE RIDE".

Nothing is handed to us on a silver platter...we all have to carry our own weight.

Can you dig it?

Answer 6

An affordable rent is in order. If he/she has a job, then the responsibility of growing up is on you to teach. Rent, a portion of utilities and a portion of food are all a responsibility he/she will face in the future. Teach that to them now, you'll be glad you did.

Answer 7

Until your 18 your a minor, so if they kick you out call child services. If it is that bad just move out, get a room mate to help pay for an apartment and be free little chickidie

Answer 8

I assume it depends on the law in your state. If the state says at 17 you are considered and adult, then yes, your parents can impose rent.

Answer 9

sounds like the folks are playing tough love b/c you dropped out? If u don't pay, what are they going to do? kick you into the street? now THAT might be illegal.

Answer 10

If you can't stay in school, I would definitely make you get a job and pay rent.