I guess parents have a right to charge rent, just not something I would do or I agree with. Peronally I think it's mean. I could never take money from my kids. You are in a tough spot and my heart goes out to you because you are so young to have to deal with this type of thing. I have two sons your age and couldn't imagine them being on their own. If I were you I would find a good friend to live with and move in with them. I don't know where you live but 800. seems like a lot of money for someone your age to pay for rent. I really wish you luck and i'm here if you need to talk.

In America parents are legally required to provide food and shelter for their children until they turn 18. They cannot demand money in return. I don't imagine most other countries are much different. They can however charge you money as their child's girlfriend and they should charge you something to help you contribute to the family that is sheltering you.

Whether $800 is reasonable depends on your local economy. When you're fresh out of high school paying half of your paycheck on rent is pretty much normal. In my city, if $800 includes your bills and possible some food it's a pretty sweet deal. I'll totally trade with you.

Welcome to the forum honey..I always gave my parents money once I began work but the whole idea was for you to save money to get your own place..He is making $1600. a month..$800 goes to his parents-where does the other $800 go? Are you all able to save any of that?

I agree with Wendy, $800. a month is too much..I could see 300-400 a month just because money wise he is making decent money for his age..But, you guys had to of agreed to this when you moved in..So, if parents are paying for food, utilities and it is a nice place to live then you are doig well..

If they are staying out of your business and you are not doing all their chores for them I would say hang in there as long as you can..

If you are breaking your back for them then counter offer by showing how much a servant in home costs..Go on line for your area and check out maid service..They could then deduct the rent from your non existing pay..Of course I strongly recommend a nice approach with this idea.

You do NOT want to start a family when you can't even put food on your (own) apartment table...Keep inmind also that what a parent will do for one may not do for another-this is re going to school and paying less to zero rent..

I don't agree with what is going on and I would not charge my son or potential daughter in law..That's just me though..I wish you the best and hope you both stay strong and can make it..kd

Thank you very much for all your responses.
However, my boyfriend found a really nice apartment with alittle bit less of a rent charge. He says we are moving out soon, so we are packing our bags now to prepare. We need someone, a parent to cosign, and if his parents aren't getting involved he says he's cutting his connection. His parents aren't bad people, but his mom is an extremely selfish, childish, manipulative person. I wont go into detail, but I usually say nice things about people whether or not they deserve it, But his mom..I can only say she is a wonderful cook, but she barely cooks anymore because she waits for us to do it for her. I thought maybe she wanted to teach us how to do it on our own, but she fights with us during cooking to the point she just says whatever, if you cant do it my way you migh as well cook hotdogs. She expects us to -just know- what to do for her, 24/7. If we dont, we get penalized.
That's why I'm stressing moving out. Yes it will be a big move, I feel that mentally we are ready for it, but in the long run I'm Sure there will be issues. I just hope we find enough help or advice to know what to do about it.
For now, it's going to be a long long road to stability, financially and emotionally.

I'm glad you two found a nice apartment. I'm a strong believer that if you want to make something work bad enough, you will. I don't believe in charging your children rent so I am really happy for you that you are moving out of his parents' house. Good luck and enjoy your new home.