Niece staying with me for 2 months - payment? Rent? Nothing?

[Anonymous]

No rent, but you could arrange two weekly meals together. One where you plan and cook and one where she plans and cooks. I found this helpful for relationships and for helping a college student increase their life skills.

Her being able to get free housing is probably one way she can afford the unpaid internship.

For the record, I came to DC for a one year non-stipended internship and a family who was associated with the non-profit I was interning, let me stay at their house rent free for a year. I did my own thing for food. (It was 1987) I was forever grateful.

[Anonymous]

Her parents are rude as f?ck for not offering anything. Do they realize your grocery bill among other things will go up?

[Anonymous]

No, you should not accept or request payment. Think of this as an opportunity to help your niece develop life skills she'll need but doesn't already have, e.g. cleaning up after herself, respectfully sharing space. Talk with her about expectations at the outset. Even if it's terrible, it's two months. You can handle it. And from the sounds of it, you may gain some life skills of your own in the process.

[Anonymous]

Jesus some of you are insanely harsh. How many of you are answering from actual personal experience?

[Anonymous]

Op, live like roommates re: groceries. Give her a shelf in the frig. She's responsible for her food, stuff she needs, any of her needs. She'll probably eat out mostly. You don't need to know. You don't need to plan. She fends for yourself.

I think you saying, "yes" to this is you offering the opportunity without expectations re: utilities/rent. You could have said no. She will remember this kindness, it may take come maturity for it to sink in, years down the road.

[Anonymous]

I would want nominal rent unless I were very close to the niece, to defray utilities and general hassle. I think it’s reasonable and will make you feel better about the arrangement. Her family is saving a ton by having her stay with you. It sounds like she’s not especially sensitive or careful, so you will have a little cushion when, inevitably, she breaks stuff or damages it. I’d also want to specify meal arrangements and house rules (does she have to be home at a certain time? Should she text if she’ll be out past midnight? Can she have friends come hang out at the house?) ahead of time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would want nominal rent unless I were very close to the niece, to defray utilities and general hassle. I think it’s reasonable and will make you feel better about the arrangement. Her family is saving a ton by having her stay with you. It sounds like she’s not especially sensitive or careful, so you will have a little cushion when, inevitably, she breaks stuff or damages it. I’d also want to specify meal arrangements and house rules (does she have to be home at a certain time? Should she text if she’ll be out past midnight? Can she have friends come hang out at the house?) ahead of time.

In case I sound harsh with the above response I want to say that I have a teen with aspergers and living with him presents challenges that make this a pretty big imposition. You are very likely going to have to provide more support and companionship and coaching than you’d provide to a typical niece, and tolerate some quirky behaviors — and honestly if you aren’t used to it, several months of it will be a lot. So I’m a yes on rent, or at the very least groceries paid by her parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op, live like roommates re: groceries. Give her a shelf in the frig. She's responsible for her food, stuff she needs, any of her needs. She'll probably eat out mostly. You don't need to know. You don't need to plan. She fends for yourself.

I think you saying, "yes" to this is you offering the opportunity without expectations re: utilities/rent. You could have said no. She will remember this kindness, it may take come maturity for it to sink in, years down the road.

+1 to all this. You shouldn’t be expected to provide all of her food. But I would t charge rent either.

[Anonymous]

I would not charge rent. This is a chance for you to do something really nice for someone in your life. Go with the flow. Be kind. If things get messy, just ask her to give you a hand picking up the place. Don’t be filled with negativity before she even arrives. Be flexible, be nice. You will survive and just be a nice generous aunt.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m disgusted you would even consider taking money.

Oh well. Be disgusted. I find your entitled attitude that the Op is somehow obligated to give this young lady free room and board beyond disgusting. So there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m disgusted you would even consider taking money.

Oh well. Be disgusted. I find your entitled attitude that the Op is somehow obligated to give this young lady free room and board beyond disgusting. So there.

That young lady is her niece. Good lord.

-np

[Anonymous]

I would either tell her she’s on her own for groceries and cleaning, (and follow through to make sure the cleaning happens) or I would charge a nominal amount like $400 to cover groceries and extra housekeeping visits.

[Anonymous]

How much would your niece be paying for room/board at college? I think it's fair to charge that much, maybe a little less. I'd probably charge around $600/month which would be very fair for room/board.

She'll be gone a lot for her internship and she'll be driving herself places, so having her live with you for a couple of months should be fairly easy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m disgusted you would even consider taking money.

Oh well. Be disgusted. I find your entitled attitude that the Op is somehow obligated to give this young lady free room and board beyond disgusting. So there.

That young lady is her niece. Good lord.

-np

Right. And FAMILY doesn't use FAMILY. They contribute to the household that they are living in. Lesson 101 on how to be a decent adult.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m disgusted you would even consider taking money.

Oh well. Be disgusted. I find your entitled attitude that the Op is somehow obligated to give this young lady free room and board beyond disgusting. So there.

That young lady is her niece. Good lord.

-np

?
With family like OP (and the poster above) who needs enemies, right?

I will forever be grateful to people who offered me a helping hand when I was in college and had nothing. OP could be investing in her nieces future. OP have you ever needed help in your life before? Do you hate your brother?