Boyfriend moving in

Liberty

Hi guys,

I'm a first time poster, but a long term debt free wannabe. Have been reading the forum for a while, and have acted on loads of advice - thanks everyone!

My query though - my boyfriend is moving into my house next month. Can't wait, and will also be able to pay my credit card off using the rent he'll be paying after a year. Yey! :-)

Not wanting to sound pessemistic, but if we split up and he's been living with me - will he have any kind of claim over my house? (He's moving from a rented property). Have quite a bit of equity in my house and obviously don't want to lose my security. Am I worrying over nothing? Any advice?

Thanks loads.

Prudent

I don'y think he has any claim unless you get married and it becomes the marital home.

wigginsmum

I think he would have a claim if he could prove he's contributed to substantial improvement of the property i.e if you took out a joint loan to do an extension etc.

LookingAhead

I am pretty sure if you are paying all the bills and he is just contributing by paying rent then you are safe.

wigginsmum has a point though about improvements to the home so it may be worth a few minutes of your time checking out exactly where you stand with the Citizens Advice Bureau so that you are clear.

I understand you don't want to appear pessimistic...and you are not...you are just being sensible. I would do the same.

Good luck though and I wish you much love together! :beer:

Liberty

Thanks all for your so speedy responses!

seven-day-weekend

I would have thought that if all he is doing financially is paying rent, then he would be treated (for that purpose) as a lodger.

wigginsmum

In which case, I think legally you'd have to declare it as taxable income.

MCBIRNIE25

Seven day weekend is right, he is purely a lodger. If you want peace of mind get a tenancy agreement drawn up, would cost around 30quid.

LookingAhead

wigginsmum wrote:

In which case, I think legally you'd have to declare it as taxable income.

I don't think you have to do that unless it breaches a certain amount. I don't know what figure that is exactly but I do know there is one.

My friend's ex threatened her with the tax man when they split up but he was left with egg all over his face as it was not enough to trouble the tax man.
Tee hee!

But it's worth checking everything out.

lynsayjane

wigginsmum wrote:

I think he would have a claim if he could prove he's contributed to substantial improvement of the property i.e if you took out a joint loan to do an extension etc.

hope my last ex doesnt know that! he paid and laid laminate flooring through my living room/kitchen and fitted most of my kitchen for me :eek:

anyway, i've had two guys living here with me and kicked both out with no problems. god that makes me sound bad...i'm nice really!

Aletank

Why not make a point of taking no money from him by just asking him to pay for the weekly shop for example, gotta be worth £70 a week for both of you. Just say I feel awkward takin money from you but how about you pay for all the shopping each week;)