Anonymous wrote:I am wondering whether it is illegal to charge a live in nanny rent in DC or VA. I can't find anything online, which makes me think it IS legal, but curious whether anyone here has any insight.

And please save your posts about what a selfish, greedy employer I am. I am dealing with a very unique situation and know it is not normal or fair to charge a live in rent, but these are not normal circumstances. We just need to know whether it is allowed. Thank you.

You asked a straightforward legal question, and you're not going to get a real answer on this board because it's all disgruntled nannies. Does your work have an EAP? You might be able to get a quick legal question like this answered there.

If you.are going to charge your nanny for rent then they are a tenant and not obligated to work for you

Anonymous wrote:I would charge her xxx in rent. Then pay her XX an hour for watching the kids.

There is.no way I would go for that, either hire a live-in or have a Tennant and ask them if they want to work.

I would charge her xxx in rent. Then pay her XX an hour for watching the kids.

If you charge your live-in rent then she is no longer a live-in nanny, she becomes a tenant. Your nanny is now a live-out and the contract should reflect that also you will have to check your state laws in leasing a room or apartment and your nanny will have tenant rights. If money is tight perhaps you could consider an Au-pair, and sometimes students may negotiate room and board. You will be hard pressed to find an experienced nanny to the terms you are looking for.

OP here, thanks for the tips.

I don't want to share too many details, but bottom line is we're trying to help a close family friend (she's like a daughter to me). The bitchy PP is right, we can't afford a nanny, which is why we aren't looking for one. We're just trying to set up a nanny framework to help with a larger goal, if that makes sense.

No, it isn't illegal. Personally, I would prorate the hourly rate to reflect the benefit of housing instead. Housing is a perk and has a value and should be considered in the complete compensation package.

You could charge x amount for rent, and agree in a separate contract to pay xxx amount an hour for services.

The law limits how much of the paycheck can be considered "in kind" (room and board).

Anonymous wrote:I am wondering whether it is illegal to charge a live in nanny rent in DC or VA. I can't find anything online, which makes me think it IS legal, but curious whether anyone here has any insight.

And please save your posts about what a selfish, greedy employer I am. I am dealing with a very unique situation and know it is not normal or fair to charge a live in rent, but these are not normal circumstances. We just need to know whether it is allowed. Thank you.

This is not fear!!

I believe I've seen at least one post before about how to structure an arrangement when a live-out nanny becomes live-in which included having separate contract for the nanny job and lease for the rental agreement. Try searching for things like lease and rent and you'll get links like this one:

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/nanny-forum/posts/list/15/317679.page#3167071

Anonymous wrote:I am wondering whether it is illegal to charge a live in nanny rent in DC or VA. I can't find anything online, which makes me think it IS legal, but curious whether anyone here has any insight.

And please save your posts about what a selfish, greedy employer I am. I am dealing with a very unique situation and know it is not normal or fair to charge a live in rent, but these are not normal circumstances. We just need to know whether it is allowed. Thank you.

A live in is paid less BECAUSE she does not pay rent! If you are so broke then you cannot afford a nanny and, yes, you are greedy and cheap.
You are unrealistic if you truly believe someone will pay you to take care of your children.

Also the word "unique" is an absolute and cannot be "very" or "less" unique.

I don't think it's illegal, but I hope your compensation package makes up for charging rent.

can you share your situation? I am curious

I am wondering whether it is illegal to charge a live in nanny rent in DC or VA. I can't find anything online, which makes me think it IS legal, but curious whether anyone here has any insight.

And please save your posts about what a selfish, greedy employer I am. I am dealing with a very unique situation and know it is not normal or fair to charge a live in rent, but these are not normal circumstances. We just need to know whether it is allowed. Thank you.