The Boomerang Generation: Should Adult Kids Pay Rent at Home?
It’s a scenario playing out in households across the UK: adult children moving back in with their parents. But here’s where it gets controversial—should they pay rent? For Tricia Carter, a 63-year-old from south London, the answer is a resounding yes. When her 27-year-old son and 24-year-old daughter returned home, she decided to charge them £300 each per month to cover utilities, groceries, and other household expenses. But this isn’t just about the money—it’s about teaching financial responsibility. And this is the part most people miss: even though Tricia has a comfortable income, she believes her children should understand the costs of living independently.
The £300 figure, Tricia admits, was somewhat arbitrary—‘a bit of a finger in the air,’ as she puts it. It’s based on her own outgoings for utilities, food, and council tax, but it’s not a precise calculation. Still, it works for them. Her children pay via standing order on the first of each month and have never missed a payment. They buy their own food and take turns preparing dinner, though they don’t always pitch in with other chores unless asked. ‘I enjoy having them here,’ Tricia says. ‘At least one night a week, we sit down and eat a meal we’ve prepared together.’
Tricia’s situation isn’t unique. According to a NatWest survey of 2,000 UK residents last April, nearly a quarter of parents with adult children have seen them move back home in recent years, staying for an average of two years. This ‘boomerang generation’ is often forced back by high rents, low wages, and the struggle to secure first jobs. But as this trend grows, so do conversations about how to handle household finances fairly.
The Financial Strain—and the Benefits
While some parents welcome their adult children back with open arms, the reality of higher grocery and energy bills can quickly take its toll. Alice Haine, a personal finance analyst at Bestinvest by Evelyn Partners, notes that charging rent can ease this burden. ‘Asking for a contribution towards household bills is not only reasonable but often necessary,’ she says. ‘It ensures parents aren’t left out of pocket and can continue saving for retirement.’
But it’s not just about the money. Setting financial boundaries can help keep relationships healthy and instill responsibility in younger adults. ‘Parents must not neglect their own financial wellbeing,’ Haine adds. ‘Setting expectations from the outset avoids ambiguity and ensures everyone budgets effectively.’
Different Approaches, Same Goal
Not all parents charge rent, though. Take Bella Caridade-Ferreira, 57, from London. Her 29-year-old son, Jacques, moved back home after completing his PhD. He doesn’t pay rent, but he contributes in other ways—helping with cooking, doing his own laundry, and supporting his mother with her health issues. ‘I’m in a privileged position where I can help him save for a house deposit,’ Bella says. ‘My priority is seeing my children well and happy.’
Then there’s Clare Moffat, 48, from Stirling, who charged her 18-year-old daughter £350 a month when she deferred university. ‘It was a way to give her financial responsibilities,’ Clare explains. Her daughter, who had a part-time job, paid via standing order and never missed a payment. She also helped with chores, cooked meals, and even paid for occasional family outings. ‘It was a good arrangement,’ Clare says.
The Bigger Picture
The NatWest survey found that 60% of parents approve of charging rent, even if the amount is modest. For many, it’s not about the money but about teaching life skills. Clare Moffat puts it perfectly: ‘Even if you can afford not to charge rent, you’re setting up kids with life skills.’
But what do you think? Is charging rent to adult children fair, or should parents always foot the bill? And where do you draw the line between financial responsibility and familial support? Let’s start a conversation—share your thoughts in the comments below!
