Should I make my son pay rent?

[CalmTwitter]

My eldest son just got back from university but still doesn't have a job. He says that he wants to stay at home for the time being and he would get a job within 2 months. I let him stay for no rent, but it's now been almost three months and he hasn't gone to many interviews. I've asked him about his plans for the future, but he gives me evasive answers. He says I shouldn't make him pay rent because I'm his mom and he's going to move out soon, but I'm not sure. Should I start making him pay rent?

If he’s not working where would the money come from ?

Yes, even if you take a small amount out of his Jobseeker's allowance (if he is getting it, if not he should be) then it will help him to realise that he has to pay his way and contribute to the household.

If he's going to move out soon surely experiencing what its like to have rent and bills to pay would be good for him? If he doesn't have the money to pay you rent how does he have the money to move out?

Absolutely. He's an adult now, he needs to start acting like one & that means taking some responsibility for keeping a roof over his head. You do him no favours otherwise

If you can afford not to no. My son has no income and is doing a phd he pays for his own food though, I don’t buy anything for him other than his bottled water. I’d not charge if they have no income and if I could afford it I’d not charge if they did

I wouldn't if you can afford not to but I would certainly expect him to be actively job hunting, and if he's not working he should be doing housework and cooking for the family.

If not working no, but if working yes. that's what my parents did and fair enough I think.

Yes, I wouldn't charge rent but would charge 'keep'.

Agree with pp, as he hasn't got an income I'd be more interested in whether he was pulling his weight with the cooking, washing etc than charging him rent (assuming you can afford to subsidise him).

If he is getting some money from claiming, yes i would take some. It might encourage him to get a job if he doesn't have alot.

I would keep it in an account for him for a rainy day though (if you don't need it that is)

My nan used to take off hers what the "dole" give, as her thinking was, that is what is deemed the cost to just live, if they went on to earn a fortune they still only had to tip up what the dole give. Made sense I suppose.