Should Parents Charge Their Children Rent? Exploring Attitudes and Practices

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A growing number of UK parents are asking their adult children to contribute financially at home, with some seeing it as a practical tool for teaching responsibility. According to a recent Sky News report, the trend reflects shifting attitudes toward preparing young people for financial independence.

Carole Fossey, a mother from Manchester, charges her 21-year-old son £300 per month, approximately 15% of his income. Though this covers only around 70% of what he costs the household, Fossey says the aim is not to recover expenses but to help him develop discipline and respect for money.

Fossey admits she was initially hesitant, recalling her discomfort when her parents asked her to contribute. However, she now believes many young adults today lack a sense of accountability. “I do think this generation of children is a little bit entitled sometimes and expect things to be provided that I would have never expected when I was that age,” she said.

Her son, she adds, jokingly calls the payment “extortion” or “charity,” but continues to pay. Fossey views it as an important step in teaching him to manage his finances and understand the reality of living costs.

The issue is dividing opinion across the country. A 2023 survey by Compare the Market revealed that 61% of UK parents ask adult children to pay rent, usually to help with household bills. Others choose not to, preferring to offer full financial support while their children work towards stability.

Some parents believe charging rent instils vital skills like budgeting and long-term planning, while critics argue it could increase pressure on young people already facing high living costs and economic uncertainty.

Nonetheless, many parents see financial contributions not just as fair, but as necessary preparation for adult life. The arrangement is often tailored to the child’s income and circumstances, making it more about principle than profit.

While the decision remains personal, the debate highlights a wider conversation in the UK about parenting, independence, and modern financial expectations. For families like the Fosseys, the goal is clear: to raise responsible adults, not dependents.