[drexlspivey]

> The reality for many of us who grew up in poverty and may have 'made it' to a greater or lesser extent is that our families are likely didn't. It's shocking to me how many M's and Z's don't see themselves as being responsible for their families. I find it highly disappointing.

You are saying this as you are charging rent to your mother? I have never heard of anyone doing that.

[sweetjuly]

"Hey mom, the rent board approved an 8.8% rent increase. Please sign this document acknowledging the new rate or indicate that you will vacate within 90 days. Thanks, love you!"

[Pigalowda]

Right? If it's rent of $1/month I would totally understand. But the way he phrased it sounds like 25% off his usual going rate. For comedic effect I'll imagine it's 25% off. Or better yet he's charging the entirety of her monthly SSI check and she has to pay for food with a SNAP card.

[Kokouane]

Perhaps they cannot afford the mortgage payments without some assistance in the rent? Charging her a reduced rent is still better than the cost of living elsewhere.

[jimmux]

I'm not in the US so rules are different here, but that's somewhat the situation for me as my mother's "landlord". My mum also insists on paying so she can feel at least some ownership in the property.

There are other factors. I make a loss on renting this property, which has to be reported for tax reasons. If I was charging below market rates it could raise flags. Because my mum also receives an allowance as full time carer for my aunt, it additionally allows them to also claim a bit in rent assistance.

This felt a bit off at first but I have confirmed it's all above board. Better than paying off someone else's mortgage. Most importantly, a few years ago my mum was homeless and my aunt had nobody willing to care for her. This way they have a secure roof over their heads so I have no regrets.

Then there's my brothers who have moved in rent-free while they get back on their feet after a rough patch. It's tough for a lot of people out there, so we have to do what works.

[mindslight]

You missed the sentence right before the one about charging their mother rent:

> I avoid giving money directly unless as cash because they prefer it that way

Lots of people want to pay their own way, but old people often have a warped sense of how much things should cost (see the "I worked a part time job to pay for college" thing). So letting their mother think she's mostly paying for her own apartment is itself a kindness.

[RosanaAnaDana]

You've never heard of someone renting a property to a friend or family member at a reduced rate?

Maybe you need to get out more.

[drexlspivey]

A friend or your second cousin is not quite the same as your parent is it? Maybe you need to strawman less