A 17-year-old girl is facing a difficult family conflict after her parents began demanding rent money from her — totaling nearly half of her modest paycheck from a part-time, minimum-wage job.
In a viral Reddit post, the teen explained that she recently started working to cover her personal expenses and save for the future, including driving lessons, a car, and college tuition. Despite this, her parents now insist she pay them $100 a month in rent.
“I get my hours cut often and usually only bring in around $250 to $350 a month,” she wrote. “They want $100 of that just for ‘rent.’”
While she already pays for most of her own needs — like clothes and non-essentials — she also contributes to other household bills. Still, her parents are demanding more.
“I offered a fairer amount, but they aren’t having it,” she added. “It literally equates to HALF of my paycheck.”
The teen expressed frustration, saying her parents claim she now “owes” them because she’s earning money. But she believes that’s unfair, noting that they’re still legally obligated to provide her with housing and food.
“They told me if I don’t pay, I can ‘get out then’ or ‘buy my own food, and if I don’t, that’s my own problem,’” she said. The dispute has escalated into ongoing arguments, with her parents accusing her of being “disrespectful” and having a “disgusting attitude.”
Commenters overwhelmingly supported the teen, arguing that at 17, she’s still a dependent and not legally or morally obligated to pay rent. Many called the parents’ demands inappropriate and shortsighted.
“It’s bizarre to charge your child rent just for basic needs — housing, food, clothing — which you’re already required to provide,” one person commented. “How is she supposed to save for her future like this?”
Another added a warning: “Put away as much as you can and get your documents in order. The moment you turn 18, they might start charging you real rent or kick you out. It’s clear they’re not thinking about your well-being.”
The situation has sparked a broader debate online about the fairness of charging teens rent — especially when they’re still legally minors and already contributing to the household.
