should i charge my student son "rent"

suzey1

my son is just starting his degree in a couple of weeks, he is fortunate enough to be able to live at home and study. he attends uni twice a week and works at least three days a week. (plus holidays he works 4 days a week) he will get the maximum student maintance grant (£2700) plus a student loan of £2400, plus his wages from part time work (about £4,500 a year).

we are on a low paid income and his child tax credits have just stopped now he has finished his a-levels.

my question is should i charge my son rent, and if so how much? i thought about £25 or £30 a week. this would go towards his food, electric, gas, broadband, etc. i feel guilty asking him, although surely this is what his maintance grant is for?
your opinions would be appreciated.

Beverley

suzey1 wrote: »

my son is just starting his degree in a couple of weeks, he is fortunate enough to be able to live at home and study. he attends uni three days a week and works two days a week. (plus holidays he works 4 days a week) he will get the maximum student maintance grant (£2700) plus a student loan of £2400, plus his wages from part time work (about £4,500 a year).

we are on a low paid income and his child tax credits have just stopped now he has finished his a-levels.

my question is should i charge my son rent, and if so how much? i thought about £25 or £30 a week. this would go towards his food, electric, gas, broadband, etc. i feel guilty asking him, although surely this is what his maintance grant is for?
your opinions would be appreciated.

My opinion only but Yes! Of course you should charge him rent. I'll bet your income is reduced by a lot a lot more than £25 or £30 per week now that Child tax Credits have stopped.

It's not as if you're trying to make money out of him - you cannot afford to keep him and it would cost him a lot more if he was living in his own place or halls.

I intend to do the same.

Beverley

beambeam

He's grown up now and must realise that he's going to have to start paying his way one way or another so yes, I would ask him to contribute towards his "digs" - £30 a week for everything is a bloody good deal too!

As above pointed out, he's saving a fortune as it is... no self internet, food costs, insurance, and so on and so forth.

sarahlouise210

I agree with above - I have always been very good with money and I put that down to the early lessons in money management given to me by my mum..eg - pay keep every week !!! I intend to do the same in a few years time when my daughter is older - i expect she will grumble ..but it will teach her a valuable lesson and also replace monet that we will lose (as stated - probably much more than £25 - £30 per week is lost when you stop receiving CTC and child benefit.

freebie_junkie

i agree too if he complains just tell him how expensive it would be living on his own! (i also think if he doesnt already do so, he should do his fair share of cooking, cleaning, washing etc.)

MercilessKiller

A few people I know at uni who lived at home got it so easy. Their student loans, part time jobs, and NO expenses... Its a false lifestyle to be honest.. so yes charge them!

JanCee

My son is also about to start uni but he will be living in student accommodation in Manchester. The cost is £92 per week for a 40 week let with no food included.

I think if you sit down with your son and discuss what he can afford to pay and what he would have to pay if he didn't live at home, you should be able to come up with something you are both happy with.

Badger_Lady

Absolutely - it's a nice way to ease him into living alone and, now that he's earning, it's only right that he contribute to family income.

I would look at the cost of student housing and ask him to pay a bit less than that (cos you are his mum after all!). In my area, student housing is about £300pcm, so I'd charge £200pcm.

[Deleted User]

If you charge him rent, would you also qualify for some more tax-free earnings?
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/Taxes/TaxOnPropertyAndRentalIncome/DG_4017804

Broke_Student

In my opinion he should make a contribution to the house but you should not charge him a formal 'rent'. Home may no longer feel like the family home once he starts paying you a rent. Also there is a risk that you might break down your personal relationship because it has also become a financial relationship.

I would simply explain to him that you want a contribution to the house to cover bills, food, toiletires etc... and tell him that his student loans include some maintenance costs for this. Also point out that you no longer recieve child tax credits etc... Ask for some cash in hand every week to keep it less formal or a bigger payment when the loan comes in will allow him to forget that he is paying you a weekly amount. Don't set up a direct debit from his bank account or have overly strict payment dates!

Also stop any pocket money you are giving him (or unseen pocket money such as buying his magazines etc) or offset it against the money he agrees to give you.

It's a weird feeling when mum suddenly starts charging you rent for your bedroom!

Idiophreak

I thought that people who lived at home got less loan etc?

I think he should def. pay something though...Probably £30-50/week is reasonable...

I don't think it need impact your relationship...You just say "you have some money now...can you set up a standing order to pay us £x per month please".

I pay my parents rent, but tbh I don't even think about it...It just goes out each month and that's the end of it...