My kids were rent free as long as they were in school with a year after they were no longer in school to earn and save. One kid was out as soon as she finished college and moved out to do an internship which turned into a great job. My other one paid rent and saved a lot of money, he knows most of his rent is in an investment account which he can have whenever he wants it. Both are homeowners . Rules to live in our home- clean up after yourself, do a daily & weekly chore.