Should adult children live with parents rent-free? Most Americans disagree (2024)
A majority of people in the U.S. believe that adults in their twenties living in their parents' home should pay rent, even if the parents do not need the money.
That is according to an exclusive poll conducted on behalf of Newsweek. It found that nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults polled are in favor of grown-up offspring paying their way.
According to data compiled by the Pew Research Center, as of July 2022, 50 percent of adults in America aged 18 to 29 were living with one or both of their parents.
Although this figure was down slightly from the peak of 52 percent recorded in June 2020, it remained significantly higher than the numbers reported a decade earlier.
As part of the research, respondents were asked: "Which of the following comes closest to your view regarding adults in their twenties who are living in their parents' home in order to save on housing costs?"
Given three options to choose from, 57 percent said "their parents should require them to pay rent, even if the parents do not need the money."
By contrast, just 28 percent of those polled chose the option: "Their parents should allow them to live rent-free if the parents do not need the money." A further 15 percent chose to answer simply, "don't know."
Teresa Lodato is an author and relationship coach who specializes in family conflicts. Reflecting on the idea of charging adult children rent, she told Newsweek that she believes no two families are the same. While the approach of charging rent may work for some, others prefer an alternative solution.
"Culture plays a huge role in whether adult children live at home until they are married or can support themselves," Lodato said. "Oftentimes, adult children will 'pay' for their stay by pitching in and doing chores to contribute to the household."
Even so, Lodato added that there can be benefits to it. "Some parents believe adult working children also need to contribute to the household, albeit financially in addition to chores, and that it teaches children to take responsibility for themselves," she said.
Although some might suggest charging an adult child rent could hinder their prospects of getting on the property ladder, Lodato has seen cases where the opposite has been true.
"There are parents I know who do not need the financial support and have often opted to charge their adult children rent, but then take that money and bank it for their children to help provide down-payment funds for a future home," Lodato said.
Most Americans Disagree. A majority of people in the U.S. believe that adults in their twenties living in their parents' home should pay rent, even if the parents do not need the money. That is according to an exclusive poll conducted on behalf of Newsweek.
If your child is over 18, they should have a job and should be paying rent as well as contributing to the household in other ways, for example with household chores/home maintenance. What they pay in rent is something you could work out between you based on your and their financial circ*mstances.
Such an important question. If there's one thing we seem to universally agree on in the West it's that the goal of parenting is to make our children as independent and self-sufficient as possible, which results in their ability and desire to leave mom and dad's home. The sooner the better.
Moving in with parents is a great way to save money and tackle debt. But if you value your privacy and independence more, there are other ways to get help with rent and tackle debt: Get a roommate: If you currently live alone, find a roommate to split the bills.
It's important to make clear to your adult kids that it's their responsibility and in their best long-term interests to earn their own way. Stress that any financial assistance you provide to them should be viewed as a bridge to their eventual financial independence — and not a handout.
Your child's income: If your child has a steady income from a part-time job or other source, they may be better equipped to handle paying rent. However, if they're still in school or otherwise financially dependent on you, charging them rent may not be appropriate or even feasible.
Most of the parents of high school graduates living at home we surveyed told us that they are charging their kids rent to prepare them for the real world. Twenty seemed to be the average age when they started charging rent, and the average rent seemed to be about $100 a week.
The Bible strongly encourages us to care for members of our family especially older people, children, and those who may be in need. I Timothy 5:8 says, "Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."
Caring for your aging parents will probably be a necessity at some point in your life. More than 70% of seniors will need assistance with daily living activities as they age, according to the Home Care Association of America.
Pew found that about a third of young adults between the ages of 18 and 34 are still living with a parent. More than half (57%) of those in the 18-to-24 age group said they were doing so; as did 21% of those ages 25 to 29 and 11% of those between the ages of 30 and 34.
If you move back in with your parents, you're ideally cutting a significant portion of your living expenses. With the amount that you otherwise would have paid to your landlord, or worse, the government, you can set it aside for an emergency fund, so that you can move out on your own again.
“Yes, generations may have different attitudes towards lifestyles and experiences, and sometimes these can come into conflict. “(But) living together again can be a healthy experience, as it provides companionships, support and helps to save money.”
The new data suggests that, indeed, young adults are more reliant on their parents — texting them for life advice when older generations may have figured out their problems on their own. But the effects do not seem to be wholly negative.
Learn about how this duty of filial responsibility applies to estate and trust litigation by reading our in-depth analysis of California Family Code section 4400. It is well established, both normatively and legally, that a parent is responsible for the care and maintenance of their children.
You may decide to ask your child to pay a rent for room and board, even if it's a nominal amount. Alternatively, you might also ask them to cover any increases in utilities, such as water or electricity.
The most obvious pro for having your child pay rent, even as early as age 16, is their financial independence. Children in their teens may find themselves tempted to blow newly found part-time income in any number of ways.
To avoid feelings of resentment, and to encourage independence, your adult child should have some responsibilities in the household beyond taking care of his or her own space and laundry. Take time to discuss together what those responsibilities will be, such as doing yard work, cleaning or grocery shopping.
"Parents are allowed to ask their adult children for rent money if they want, but adult children are also allowed to decide that if they're going to be paying rent they'd rather be paying rent for their own space."
Introduction: My name is Carlyn Walter, I am a lively, glamorous, healthy, clean, powerful, calm, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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