Money Moral Dilemma: Should I charge my son for living at home after returning from uni early?

mosen

My daughter has returned home during lockdown and we have seen this opportunity for her to reduce her student overdraft as she’s about to come out of the student terms. If she goes to the food shop she will pay for anything she needs but we certainly don’t ask her for any money. She lives in London normally so doesn’t stand a chance of reducing her overdraft as her living costs are ridiculous. She worked so hard through her 4 yrs at uni whilst studying for her degree I think she deserves a break and it’s lovely to have her company at this very strange time 

torus

Unless you are strapped for cash I'd say a resounding 'no!'. We are in this situation with our adult son living at home during lockdown. We are not charging him as a) we don't need the income and b) if we were to die 40% of everything he'd paid us would go to the taxman in inheritance tax. I'd rather he had the lot (as and when) and the govenement nil!

Unless your estate (including property) is less than £325,000, or double if you are a couple, this applies to you. Having just seen a large amount go to the government on the death of parents I am conscious to minimise any of mine going to the government by transferring wealth to my children slowly and not the other way around.

Jayjayemeye

Why is this even a question?  He’s your son.  Be a parent and welcome him home with open arms, not an open wallet.

DPS-2016

Unless you're desperate, no.  

Scrapit

I wouldn't say charge him but he should pay his way.

REJP

The key words are that he will be spending the whole of the Summer term at home, but not paying for university accommodation.
presumably this means his grant will be reduced.  Also he is going to find it hard to get work during this lockdown period.  He will need to buy his books and course work during the term.
If he has no disposable income how will he pay you?  If he has some form of income it would be reasonable to ask for a contribution for food and utilities that you are providing.
Having said that, keep in mind that he might decide to move to property rented or owned by uni friends etc.   How important is it to you to maintain a loving relationship with him?  Talk with him, pointing out that if you are on a limited income or not able to support him, and see if you can reach a sensible agreement about costs.
incidentally, if he comes home during university holidays, does he pay you anything?  If so, use that as a starting point for your discussion.
Always remember your actions may cost you the future relationship with your son.  Think carefully about how you deal with this, it may be that you lose your son if you are unreasonable.  Having said that, if he is bright enough to be at uni, he must realise when things are financially difficult for you.  
Hopefully you can reach a reasonable solution between you.  Talk with each other.

newwiseman

I would also say absolutely not, he is your son. If he was working it is not too unreasonable to ask for a contribution, particularly if you are struggling financially, but otherwise no way. If your relationship is such that you don't want him at home anyway then charging him is a great way of ensuring he moves at at as soon as he can.

meknowalot-51

If your absolutely "Brasic" and just about managing to feed yourselves then a discusion is required.I'm sure he will volunteer to donate before you dictate the terms,if he does then you've both done an excellant job,if not...................?

agarr

Be his parent not his landlord. Be glad that he is safe at home.

bill5ja

charge him & save the money for when he really needs it.