Money Moral Dilemma: Should we charge our grown-up children for living with us during lockdown?

MSE_Kelvin

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

They came to stay with my partner and I when lockdown was first announced so we could be together. They're both working from our home and both earn more than us, so I think they should pay their way while they're here. Yet my partner doesn't think they should because they're still paying rent on their own homes, and it's caused many an argument.

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onwards&upwards

Surely its time for them to move out now!  

The thought of locking down with my parents and sibling is making me shudder. 

Madmel

I think they should pay for food and a contribution towards electricity and water because I presume they are using them whilst saving those costs on their rentals.
I have my student DDs living with me.  I'm not charging them because they have no income other than their student loans and I don't especially need the money.  However, they are expected to contribute to the running of the house.  DD1 (20 years old) has spent most of the last 2 weeks weeding our garden.  DD2 (19) has been helping with laundry and looking after her grandfather whilst I work.  Both have offered to cook.  We are all happy with this arrangement.

JGB1955

Why have you let them stay all this time,? Whilst I love my daughter very much, she hasn't lived at home for more than a week in the past 15 years. They should be paying for 50,% of the food, doing 50% of the cooking and housework and be working on their exit strategy pronto. 

littlegreenparrot

You are allowing them to take the mick. Why on earth haven't they gone home yet? 

They are adults with an income, of course they should be paying their way.

silvercar

You invited them to live with you and now you want them to pay for the privilege?
the time to discuss payment was when you first invited them.

Silvertabby

Rent no, food yes.

MarcusB

Considering they would be paying for food and incidentals whilst in their own homes, but are now in yours, then yes, they should pay toward food and the extra costs you would incur.  I would hope if it was my children they would offer without being asked, but either way, should contribute 

Spendless

Interesting terminology. 'our grown up children' and 'my partner' so is this either a long term unmarried couple who've had children together (can happen) or the grown up children of one of them and maybe why one parent think they should pay and the other doesn't and it's caused rows. However it could also be the way MSE has worded it.
Contibution to the food bill should be given plus any rise in electricity costs due to working from home. But I'd also be interested to know their reasons for moving in, was it to provide care for example.
 

REJP

Just another variation of a regular dilemma.
they should pay towards food and utilities.. You should lay down rules before letting them move in.
if they don't agree, show them the door and take their keys off them.

7513mike

You could ask them to pay the additional costs you face because they are living with you. But I think this is more about personal relationships than money.