How much rent should we charge?

[Pembroke_Corgi]

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

My husband thinks that he should have to pay a third after he gets a job, too. I don't feel quite right charging that much, but I do agree that he should kick in some money. It would be nice if some kind of barter worked out, but I'm pretty sure that won't be the case due to what happen the last time we lived with him.

I really don't want life at our house to get too cozy for him or he will never leave.

[carole]

Only you and you alone know your brother, it sounds like he would take to free-loading ,so perhaps you should implement a system from day one,so you don't end up in a sticky situation, if you think thirds is the way to go ,then i say go for it, now that you have explained things further i am more in agreement to ask him to share expenses as soon as he gets work.