My brother-in-law has been sleeping on our couch “till he finds a place of his own”. It’s been just under 2 months, and I’m going to start charging him rent. Partly because I want to make him staying a little less attractive and partly because I think it’s only fair that he contribute. But I have no idea what would be fair, what do you think?
The rent is $1600 per month plus utilities, which includes a year-round pool and nice sized gym. The building is in Arlington, a very short walk from a metro station, a good mall, a large park, several jogging trails, and a public library branch.
There are three adults in the house, counting him.
He is working, part time high-school math teacher and part time bar tending. So he is out of the house most afternoons and evenings.
He does spend time in the apartment during the day, but he is not particularly intrusive. Mostly I want him to move on because I prefer to not have a roommate, other than my wife.
I have already spoekn to him about paying something, and am now jsut tryign to figure out what would be fair. I’m not trying to squeeze him out, just making staying here a little less attractive so that he’ll be more motivated in his apartment hunting.
There are three adults in the house, counting him.
He is working, part time high-school math teacher and part time bar tending. So he is out of the house most afternoons and evenings.
He does spend time in the apartment during the day, but he is not particularly intrusive. Mostly I want him to move on because I prefer to not have a roommate, other than my wife.
I have already spoekn to him about paying something, and am now jsut tryign to figure out what would be fair. I’m not trying to squeeze him out, just making staying here a little less attractive so that he’ll be more motivated in his apartment hunting.
10 Answers
Typically a roommate with 2 other people would pay 1/3 of the rent, but it should be less since he does not have his own room & is on the couch.
FYI: If the landlord does not know about him staying there and did not approve it then he is an unauthorized tenant & could get you guys evicted & sued. You cannot move people in with you when you rent even if it is just for a couple months. If someone stays more than 1 week they are legally a tenant.
Sofa For Rent
I agree that 200 to 300 a month sounds reasonable. Like the other person said though, once you start charging rent, you can no longer just put him out…you would have to go to court and stuff if it ever came to you wanting to put him out and him not leaving because he would then be a tenant and you his technical landlord.
Is he working? Does he have privacy, or just comes in to sleep. You should charge him something, but make it fair. Tell him he is cooking, eating, using utilities, or the facilities, whatever. Don’t be too harsh. Also, suggest he get on craigslist and find a share rental.
It really depends how much time he spends at your place. If he is only there to sleep at night then you shouldn’t charge. Remember he is family. But if he is eating, showering, watching tv,enjoying the gym and pool, etc then you need to add up those costs. basically whatever EXTRA you have to pay for him staying with you. No more than $300 per month.
1600 divided by the number of people in the house. Make it number of adults in the house if that makes it unfair. The same goes for all the bills, he is using power, water, etc just like everyone else.
it depends because if the person is in need let them crash for a few weeks after that lay down the law on how much they have to start paying. make sure you get the agreement in writing with both of y’all signatures
i would say that he needs to pay $200-$300 a month.
If you start charging him, he now becomes a renter rather than a guest and it will be harder to get rid of him later.
I’d say $200