There are some good stories here. I DO think paying rent is important because they have to do that in the 'real world' -- but I can charge an amount that is reasonable and give her a chance to save. I would hope in two or three years to be able to help her buy a small house, as we helped her sister (handy being a real estate agent -- I kicked in the commission that I never had anyway....). I would much rather she was in a house so she can control the room mates etc --- with her pechant for animals finding an apartment is VERY hard -- and the right room mate even harder......