How much rent should we charge?

[Blue_Frog]

First thing I would consider is what would be fair to what he can afford to pay you guys. If hes completly down on his luck right now, then helping him along for free is the nice thing to do, until he gets a job.

If hes able to afford to chip in, what I would consider would be the costs above what you're paying now. So, figure out what you guys have to spend on things like water and hydro, food, etc. -- and then anything that goes above that, he could cover.

So, for example, if you spend $100 on hydro in a month, and he moves in and suddenly hydro goes up $50, then having him cover the $50 might be fair. Same with food, gas if you have to drive him around, other expenses in running the household, etc.

I think setting out the ground rules now is important though, before he moves in. Like "We understand that you're not working right now, you're my bro and I want to help you out. Heres what you can do around here to help out with the household while your looking for work (chores, housework, yardwork, etc.)Once you get a job, we expect $_____ to cover the costs of ______, ______, etc."

[Marigold2]

Yes I do agree with you Wombat, but I would let him stay free for the first month to get on his feet, after that a set amount with a signed contract is good. This way he never loses his self worth and or pride which is a basic human need for any success.

Nope....sorry folks...I disagree.
People have to pay their own way for a number of reasons.
Firstly it's because people cost ????? They cost you money and effort, and you shouldn't have to spring that free of charge.
Secondly, if you make it too easy on him, then he isn't going to look around seriously for his own accommodation.
Too many times I've heard of situations such as these, when homeowners find they have a freeloader who won't leave because of the owners hospitality.
I know it's nice to do stuff for relo's and the like, but the situation can easily get out of hand, and you will be left with the big phone bills and electricity bills etc etc, after they move on.
Work out in your head how much it costs for you and hubby to live for a month....divide that by three, and that is what your brother should pay, because that is what you will spend.
Wom

[Pembroke_Corgi]

The house/apt is already where you live, you're not moving to a new place to accomodate your brother... right?

I don't know what your rent is, but that seems like you would be taking advantage of someone who is down on their luck. I don't see how 1/3 is fair, but that's just me. I've had family stay with me, and never charged anything except their long distance charges. I stayed with my brother after my divorce and thankfully he never charged me 1/2 of his rent, I couldn't have paid it.

Maybe $200 and have him help with groceries?

Crystal

Just to get one thing clear, my brother is not "down on his luck." Right now he has a full time job whre he lives, and he simply wants to move to Denver, so we are going to let him live with us to make it easier. I don't think 1/3 of everything is quite right, but I think he needs to help with utilities (the ones that will rise, like water and electric) and rent when he gets a job.

[Cataholic]

LOL. If he is moving from Cincinnati to Denver, I would say his luck is on the upswing!

[Uabassoon]

I think once he gets a job you guys need to figure out how much of his paycheck he needs to save to get a new place (its often expensive since many places want a huge deposit or first and last months rent, plus often utility companies want a deposit for new customers). Then figure out how much you need from him to help you out, if you charge too much it might be harder for him to save up so he can move out. But at the same time he does need to help you out financially since I'm assuming you aren't rich and the extra cost of a third person living there might hurt you a little.

[wombat2u2004]

Just to get one thing clear, my brother is not "down on his luck." Right now he has a full time job whre he lives, and he simply wants to move to Denver, so we are going to let him live with us to make it easier. I don't think 1/3 of everything is quite right, but I think he needs to help with utilities (the ones that will rise, like water and electric) and rent when he gets a job.

Fair enough PC. But just make his share an amount that you are quite happy with, and not feeling as tho you are being ripped off.
Good luck with that.
Wom