Jim's Cafe, Thursday, September 10, 2026

[Lane]

Good morning SF friends. I hope that youre all doing as well as possible today. I have a question.

At what age do you think a child should pay rent if he/she lives at home?

I ask bcz i have my 27 year old son that lives with me. Hes supposed to keep the kitchen clean, which i feel hes slacking. He makes probably double what I make but is paying off student loans. Im considering having him pay the electric bill, which is like $150, give or take. Thanks for taking the time to read.

 

[Lane]

@Angie @Baywasp @1964dodge @cymbele @cev77 @I_waste_everything @bubblebear @Kiwi2016

 

[Lane]

@AvidFan @Windhover @KM76710 @1Lefty @Witty_Sarcasm @Harrow @nicktheundoer @LumberJack

 

[Lane]

@Gonz @Pebble mouse @SillyOldBear @Lisa the Ferrociraptor @JMG @Sassy Cat @JanisSPK @TragicReality

 

[Sunspots]

Hi @Lane

My kids both contributed financially when they were living at home as soon as they were out of education and earning money.

My son's first job was an apprenticeship so he only earned £600 per month but he contributed £120 of that and was expected to do certain chores around the house - cook a family meal one night per week, keep his room clean and tidy and empty the dishwasher.

My daughter's first job was also an apprenticeship but she had to move away for it so we actually ended up giving her money as £600 wasn't enough to pay rent and live. But when she moved back home afterwards she contributed 20% of her salary.

In fairness, it was the principle of them learning to pay their way and budget more than us needing the money. So unbeknown to them, all their rent money went into a savings account for them which they got back when they left home properly.

 

[cymbele]

Easily $300/month if they're starting out and contributing on cleaning and food. Even that is a steal. here in my part of the US one bedroom apartments or a room in a sleazy part of town runs$1000/month .
thanks for opening the Cafe @Lane. It must have been dusty!

 

[Lane]

Hi @Lane

My kids both contributed financially when they were living at home as soon as they were out of education and earning money.

My son's first job was an apprenticeship so he only earned £600 per month but he contributed £120 of that and was expected to do certain chores around the house - cook a family meal one night per week, keep his room clean and tidy and empty the dishwasher.

My daughter's first job was also an apprenticeship but she had to move away for it so we actually ended up giving her money as £600 wasn't enough to pay rent and live. But when she moved back home afterwards she contributed 20% of her salary.

In fairness, it was the principle of them learning to pay their way and budget more than us needing the money. So unbeknown to them, all their rent money went into a savings account for them which they got back when they left home properly.

Thanks for responding @Sunspots. I really like that idea. I might use half and put the other half away.

 

[Lane]

Easily $300/month if they're starting out and contributing on cleaning and food. Even that is a steal. here in my part of the US one bedroom apartments or a room in a sleazy part of town runs$1000/month .
thanks for opening the Cafe @Lane. It must have been dusty!

Yes, rents are so high here in NJ. Im glad I bought my house when I did. Hope youre doing well S.

 

[SillyOldBear]

$150 is certainly not unreasonable. He needs to learn that a place to live costs money and start paying. No free ride with Mom any more.

 

[Windhover]

Morning greetings, glad to see doors open at the café. 🌻☕️
I hope everyone is doing alright today. I'm leaving a notee on the café chalkboard: it is a month for which time quickly sneaks away from us. So if you can, get outdoors for a few minutes of September air and light.

At what age do you think a child should pay rent if he/she lives at home?

About this - approximately age 21 to 25; to some extent it depends on the child's temperment and capabilities, and the financial position of the homeowner as to setting the amount.