Yup, ever since I got a job at 15 I had to pay board. We based the amount I (and my brother when he got a job as well) had to pay on how much I was earning - 10% of my weekly pay. From then on anything not school-related that I wanted, I bought for myself. This was when I was allowed to get a mobile phone as well - when I could pay for it myself. I think it's definitely fair to charge board, I'm not letting my kids bludge off me once they are earning their own money!!