How much board & lodging to charge?

[Miljea]

DS1, 21, is home from uni and has been since March! Y2.

We stopped sending him £30 a week as soon as he came home, but as he's now run out of money, having had to pay rent on his house at uni (385pcm), we paid this month's and will pay August's.

He hasn't done paid work since he's been home, but obviously we've been paying for everything, inc treats/beer (he's not a big drinker!).

He was due to work in industry this year, and got a position locally, so will live at home. He'll be doing it for 12-13 months, before returning to uni in Sept 2021. He's having to wfh thus is using our power etc.

It pays £20k pa.

What should I be charging him per week, board and lodging? I will go on expecting some help around the house, too.

This is partly to help him get his head around the idea that everything costs, someone is paying! And hopefully save a bit towards his final year.

How much reasonable?

I would make him save it all for his final year so you are not bailing him out. My parents agreed no board whilst we were at college as we were to support ourselves the following year on the money we earned.

Do you usually pay £30 a week towards his upkeep at uni? Or do you contribute more? Do you need the money? I would be tempted to charge him what he's costing you to be at home, food and fuel then say you won't be contributing the £30 a week next year so he'll need to save that too.

I’d say £100 pm and, if you don’t need it for bills etc, to save it for him to support him in his final year.