How Much Rent to Pay Parents Calculator
This how much rent to pay parents calculator suggests fair board as the lower of two figures: an equal share of household running costs, or a set percentage of take-home pay. With £900 a month of bills shared by three adults and £1,800 take-home pay, that comes to £300 a month (about £69 a week).
- Cost sharebills ÷ adults
- Income check10% – 30% of take-home
- Rent a Room limit£7,500 a year
Updated November 2026 · Uses 2026/27 benefit and tax figures
Work out fair board
Your result
Fill in the details, then press Calculate to see your result with the working shown.
You changed your details. Press Calculate to update the result.
How much rent should I pay my parents?
There is no rule, so families tend to use one of two approaches. The first is cost-based: split the household running costs (food, energy, water, council tax, broadband) equally between the adults, and optionally a share of the mortgage or rent. The second is income-based: a percentage of take-home pay, often lower for someone saving for a deposit or on a low wage. Taking the lower of the two keeps it fair to both sides.
Board as a share of take-home pay
| Monthly take-home pay | 10% | 15% | 20% | 25% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £1,200 | £120 | £180 | £240 | £300 |
| £1,600 | £160 | £240 | £320 | £400 |
| £2,000 | £200 | £300 | £400 | £500 |
| £2,500 | £250 | £375 | £500 | £625 |
Tax, benefits and council tax
- Board from your own child towards household costs is a family contribution; if you let a furnished room to a lodger instead, the Rent a Room scheme lets you earn up to £7,500 a year tax-free.
- If you get Universal Credit housing costs, a non-dependant adult living with you usually reduces the award by £96.55 a month in 2026/27, whatever they pay you. Some exemptions apply, for example if you get certain disability benefits.
- A single parent loses the 25% council tax single person discount when an adult child turns 18 and lives at home, unless the child is disregarded (for example a full-time student or apprentice).
- Students on a maintenance loan and young people on low pay may reasonably pay less.
Making it work
Agree what the money covers (food, laundry, Wi-Fi) and what it does not (their phone, car, travel). Some parents put part of the board aside and return it later as help with a deposit. Review the amount each year or when pay changes.
Frequently asked questions
How much board should a 18 year old pay?
Many families ask for 10% to 20% of take-home pay, or an equal share of food and bills if that is lower. Less is reasonable if they are on an apprenticeship wage or saving for a deposit.
Is 25% of wages too much for board?
It is at the higher end. It may be fair if it only covers their share of real costs, but if it is more than that, a lower percentage leaves room to save.
Do I pay tax on board from my child?
A contribution from your own child towards household costs is generally treated as a family arrangement. Taking in a lodger is different, though the Rent a Room scheme makes up to £7,500 a year tax-free.
Does an adult child living at home affect Universal Credit?
Usually yes: if you get housing costs, a non-dependant deduction of £96.55 a month in 2026/27 applies unless an exemption fits.
Sources and method
We use official UK guidance and recognised formulas, and test each calculator against worked examples. Results are estimates to help you plan, not professional advice. See how we work.