You asked:

I’m home for the summer and working a full-time job, and my parents have asked me to pay rent. It’s not much, but do you think that’s fair?

I’m trying to resist the urge to make puns about this (um, payin' rent to the 'rents …), but it’s no easy task. Before you start singing, “I’m not gonna paaaaay … this year’s rent,” there are a few factors to consider:

• Take into account that your parents have been footing the bill for you most of your life. Yes, that was their responsibility when you were a minor; but you are a young adult now. A reasonable contribution in the form of rent money won't kill you if you're working. Whether your parents are paying for your tuition and living costs during the school year really is not an issue here, so don’t bother bringing it up.
• It’s likely that your parents are trying to teach you how to budget your money and demonstrate to you the concept of “cost of living.” They might not even need the extra cash, but it could be one of those lessons they’re trying to instill that you won’t get from a college education.
• Maybe they do need the money, and fact is, water and electricity aren’t free, people! Their utility bills will go up while you’re in the home, as will their spending on groceries and other household necessities. If you can help them offset some of these costs in a struggling economy, you should be happy to do so.
• They might be willing to bend some of their rules (and, yes, you should still abide by their rules as it’s still their house even if you’re paying rent to live there). Perhaps you can negotiate doing away with curfew, for example, since you’re now paying rent and no longer freeloading. Be respectful when making such requests, but it’s not unreasonable to ask them to loosen up some when they’re expecting you to take on adult-like financial responsibilities.
• Negotiate a lower amount if you feel the rent they’re charging you is through the roof, or perhaps ask them to knock off some rent money in exchange for doing odd jobs around the house. Do some research to find out what it would cost you to, say, pay room and board to live in a group rental in your area. Is it comparable to what your parents are charging you? If not, you could consider renting elsewhere -- or you might decide it’s worth spending a little more to live at home. (Aren’t you already tired of sharing a bathroom with strangers?)

Name: Liz Cruger
School: College of William and Mary
Year: Senior
Major: Psychology and English lit
Her deal: This is Liz’s second year as an R.A. for freshmen. She is also involved in several campus activities, including pep band and the belly dance club.

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