how much would you ask/how to figure out "rent"

[pumpkin]

I have been letting a close friend of mine (known since elementary school) use my home as a home-base as she spends the year traveling, volunteering, and figuring out her next career move.  She has been staying with me off and on since this fall and we've talked about figuring out some sort of rent figure.  Basically she is staying in my guest room/office, buying her own food, etc.  I'm trying to figure out a reasonable amount to ask. 

Honestly, her staying here has been good for me and isn't a burden.  I am not entirely concerned about her paying rent, but I know she would like to do so.   What would you guys suggest?

[pitterwoo]

have you looked on CL to see what people are posting as rates for renting a room? Even if it's not a burden on you, you will still have some wear and tear and increased utilities, so it would be nice to get something.

[pumpkin]

Jan 5, 2014 19:45:44 GMT -5 pitterwoo said:

have you looked on CL to see what people are posting as rates for renting a room? Even if it's not a burden on you, you will still have some wear and tear and increased utilities, so it would be nice to get something.

haha, this never occurred to me. thanks for the good starting place.

[moonlight]

FWIW, my BIL rented a room from us for about a year at one point and we charged him $250/month. It was the same type of situation. He only stayed there on weeknights so he was gone on weekends, and during the week he was up early for work, gone all day and then went to night school, plus he was super fun to have around. I would have let him stay for free, but he wanted to pay us something so that's what we agreed on. It was a fraction of what he was paying when he rented an apartment.