Should Adult Children Pay Board? What’s Fair. - Teach Me About Property

In Australia today, one in two adults under 30 still live at home with their parents. That’s a staggering figure—and it raises an important question for many families: what does a fair financial contribution look like when adult children are living at home?

With rising living costs, stagnant wages, and a tough rental market, it’s no surprise young adults are staying at home longer. However, that doesn’t mean parents should foot every bill. So what’s fair, and where do you draw the line?

Reddit Says: Opinions Are Divided

A recent thread on Reddit revealed a wide range of views. One 18-year-old posted that they were earning $600 per week, and their parents were asking for 50% of their salary. That’s $300 every week—essentially rent within the family home.

This sparked debate. One dad shared a different approach: his son pays 10% of his income as board, but he secretly saves that money in a separate account for his son’s future.

Another commenter pointed out that charging some board is normal, but taking half is excessive. Others brought up culture, noting that in many ethnic households, contributing to family finances is expected—especially if the parents made significant sacrifices for their children.

The Cultural Factor

Culture plays a significant role in shaping expectations. In some communities, financial contributions from adult children are seen as a natural and respectful way to repay parental support. In others, it’s viewed as inappropriate unless parents are struggling.

One commenter explained that in their immigrant family, parents never asked for a cent because they wanted their children to save up and build a future. Others had opposite stories, with some adult children paying for mortgages, utilities, and even covering overdue fines.

Where Most People Land

From the range of opinions shared, a few clear themes emerged:

• Paying board is normal. The idea that adult children should contribute is widely accepted.
• Half your income is too much. While helping out is reasonable, taking 50% of a young adult’s pay often crosses a line.
• Communication is key. Some families treat board as rent, others as a savings tool. What matters most is being upfront and setting clear expectations.

In one observation, a commenter noted that among their circle of friends, things broke down into thirds: one-third didn’t pay anything, one-third paid their share, and the last third were “bled dry.” That contrast alone shows how differently families approach the issue.

So, What’s Fair in Your Home?

This conversation isn’t just about money—it’s about values, independence, and the long-term wellbeing of both parents and children. If there are six or seven adults under one roof, running that household is not cheap. Food, power, rent or mortgage repayments, and other day-to-day costs all add up.

Here are a few questions every household should consider:

• Should adult children pay board if they live at home?
• If yes, how much is reasonable? A fixed weekly amount? A percentage of income?
• Should board be treated as rent or secretly saved to give them a head start?
• Does culture or family background shape how you approach this?

Tell Us: How Does Your Family Handle It?

As Massey Archibald, Founder and CEO of Teach Me About Property, puts it:

“This is a financial discussion, but it’s also a values conversation. Every family has a different setup. What matters most is clarity, consistency, and making sure the next generation is set up for success.”

So, how does it work in your household? Do your adult children contribute financially? How much, and why? Share your thoughts with us on socials—or better yet, talk to a mentor and get a framework that works for your family.