Money Moral Dilemma: Should I negotiate cheaper rent with my parents?

MSE_Sarah

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

I recently moved back in with my parents to save money towards buying a flat. They've now asked for a monthly contribution towards food, utilities and petrol as well as rent. Given my commute's longer too, this will make my expenses almost as much as when I lived on my own. I understand the need to contribute, but equally I want to save money.

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Caz3121

maybe rent a cheap room closer to work if the costs don't work out staying with your parents

gettingtheresometime

Another pointless MMD as there's no back story.....eg who suggested moving back in?

KxMx

You could ask if they'd knock a bit of money off if you do more chores and make a larger practical contribution around the house.

Otherwise your parents are head of the household, you pay what they ask or find cheaper lodgings.

Pollycat

What your parents expected from you financially should have been discussed fully before you moved in.

Then you could have done the sums.

I guess one could say you've made your bed...

No amount of opinions from random strangers on t'internet can help you.
You need to talk to your parents.
No point asking 'should I negotiate cheaper rent with my parents'.
The real question is 'are they willing to negotiate cheaper rent with me?'
And the only people who know the answer to that is your parents.

youngemptynesters

seems fair to me, I did this with a child, the idea is that we would save all the money he gave us, and then when he moved out, give him a lump sum to go towards rent deposit or house deposit.
But being a depenable finacially savvy child he never paid us :-) or :-( which ever way you want to see it.
He moved out after 4 months...


As long as the amount being asked for is fair and based on what you can afford versus earnings (as an understanding parent) I can't see the problem.


You pay a % towards utilities - thats fair
You pay a % towards food - thats fair - or buy your own food or eat out.
You pay for the petrol you use - sounds like you have access to a car you don't pay for - thats fair.
You pay a % towards the mortgage - thats fair.

ska_lover

Petrol? What?

I am another who does not understand that?

sclare

You're not paying for food already? When my daughter moved in for a while, she either bought her own food or took turns paying for the groceries (spontaneously. I didn't have to ask her).

colinrosy

Shut up and pay up!

lemonreptile

Ever considered renting somewhere within your means and letting your parents get on with their lives?
I’m sure you could find somewhere within your budget. If it’s a bit crappy you just need to find a way to earn more or take a second job.
Also, why wouldn’t you buy your own food and your own petrol? Maybe eat less to save money.
Get a grip - life isn’t supposed to be easy!

Jan1959

You should pay towards the living costs, food, utilities, mortgage etc. Unless your parent have plans to rent the room why would they charge you most parents would want to help their children