Laws concerning landlord/tenant vary from state to state but the consistent theme is that tenants have certain rights and there is a legal process that must be followed in order to evict them. Consequently, collecting rent from your adult children may not be in your best interest because you can't force them to leave immediately for not following your rules. In the eyes of the law in most states, they are seen as tenants because they pay rent. What I was told is under no circumstances allow your adult children living with you to pay rent of any kind. Tell them you expect them to contribute to household expenses. You can give them certain bills to pay like the electric or phone bill. It is better if they pay you the amount and you pay the bill so if/when your child's check bounces it isn't on your credit history. Or you can tell your child you expect a certain dollar amount each week or month toward household expenses.
Following this advice will allow you to maintain control of your household with the option of immediate consequences for not following your rules.
It makes me very sad we have to know these things.
Following this advice will allow you to maintain control of your household with the option of immediate consequences for not following your rules.
It makes me very sad we have to know these things.