How Much To Charge Nephew Staying

[Jennykenny]

My nephew moved in with me about a month ago and wants to pay for his keep.
He has only just got a job, (a fairly basic paying one), and I said we would discuss it after he had been working a month.
He's a very good lad; he buys all his own food, does his own cooking, washing and ironing, helps keep the house clean and is teaching me 'stuff' on the computer.
I am reluctant to charge him anything, (I am comfortably off) but he insists that he wants to contribute.
What would be a suggested amount?

[Jackdaw33]

You should be paying him! What a treasure he sounds. How old is he?

[Jennykenny]

He is lovely.

[1ozzy]

Why not do a deal with him. Think of a few minor tasks that he can do regularly and in return charge him a very small amount. This way he gets to keep most of his money whilst both paying his way and working for his lodgings. That way he won't feel as if he is a burden on you.

[grasscarp]

I would take something of him as this is what he wants to do. But put it somewhere like into premium bonds. Then when the day comes he wants a place of his own you can give it back to him to help him out.

[ummmm]

I used to charge my Nephew £80 per week but that was all in. The only thing he had to buy was personal care stuff.

In your situation I'd half that.

You could always save it for him without him knowing and give it to him when he moves out.

[ummmm]

Sorry...didn't read Grasscarps answer :-)

[fiction-factory]

I agree with above, especially grasscarp. He should pay something- a private shared basic flat with maybe 3 strangers could easily cost £400 a month (a lot more in London) and he would still have to pay for food and washing. You don't want to charge him anything like £400 now but it will be good for him to get used to something going out so it doesn't seem too much of a shock when he eventually pays rent or a mortgage. Charge him too little and you may find he stays for ever (which you may like the idea of now but maybe it wouldn't work out in the longer term).
The amount should also reflect what he can afford as you don't want him to be unable to save or afford to go out and socialise.
As his income is not great I'd go for maybe £40 a week and, as grasscarp suggests, I'd put some of it in a savings account/premium bonds for him.

[murraymints]

can I move in ?

[fiction-factory]

Sorry...didn't read ummmm's answer- I took too long to post

[EDDIE51]

My son pays £105 a week for a room in a shared house and buys a share of the food for the 4 residents as well. I would charge your nephew £20 a week but put it in a savings account for him without telling him. That way he learns the importance of paying his way in life.

[Tilly2]

Don't forget that your electricity, gas and water bills will rise now that someone else in the house is using them.

I think £40 per week should cover that and yet leave a bit for saving.

[NoMercy]

My first thought has already been suggested by grasscarp and Ummmm.

[Gizmonster]

My initial thought, before reading any of the replies, was £40 per week.

I notice that £40 as already been, which includes gas, electric, etc .... but not the food. I stick by my initial thought of £40 per week - I reckon it's fair and it's not too little or too much :)

[atalanta]

Take one-third of his earnings, but put aside (say) half of that to invest on his behalf so he gets a nest-egg when he leaves.

[Jennykenny]

Thanks to you all. You have made some very good points.
I do know that the gas, water and electric bills will be rising.
He often has two showers a day, will throw a very small amount in the washing machine instead of a full load, boils a whole kettle for one cup of coffee and as he cooks separately, using mainly the electric grill, the bills will go up.
I don't want to nag him about these things, but I am aware of the cost.
Your advice has been very useful. Will have to have a think.

[anneasquith]

Send him to me !!!!!!!

[jambutty]

What a lovely lad.

[bednobs]

wht about council tax?

[Jennykenny]

Good point bednobs. Hadn't thought of that. Will ask him this evening.

[murraymints]

council tax is based on 2 person occupancy anyway so a 3rd will make no difference unless one or more attracts CT rebate