Am I a homeowner if property owned by my wife? Credit applications.

jgdmp

Hi all. I went through bankruptcy in 2009 and have just under 2 years before it comes off my credit file I'm applying for a 2nd credit card to use for work expenses, but am not sure how I should answer the Residential Status question.

My wife owns the property we live in with a mortgage in her name and we have no financial association. Most applications only have homeowner, private tenant, council tenant or living with parents as options. Technically I don't fit into any category so wonder how I should answer.

I already have a Vanquis card, but I can't recall whether I put homeowner on my application at the time. The second card is just to avoid mixing my personal and work expenditure.

suburbanwifey

I'd answer as homeowner as you are, you are married. Just because the mortgage is in her name does not mean you do not own it too, you are married.

unsure100

Being married doesn't mean you own it.

I would say you are a tenant

Its your wifes house and you would have to argue otherwise

debt_doctor

Your not a homeowner, you are 'other' but if they dont offer that category then it's a bit tricky. I suppose tenant is closest, but if ever challenged I would say " get some more appropriate drop down boxes - I can't argue with the computer generated form!"

DD

arcon5

unsure100 wrote: »

Being married doesn't mean you own it.

I would say you are a tenant

Its your wifes house and you would have to argue otherwise

Maybe not, but op certainly may have a beneficial interest in the property. And was they to split could potentially have a claim to half.

jgdmp

Thanks for the replies. I'm not trying to say I'm one thing or another and certainly not trying to 'argue otherwise'. It's just that I don't know which one would more closely describe my status.

I don't live in a rented property and I don't own the property either. I guess that if I were to put homeowner, it would be odd that I don't have a mortgage and the bankruptcy on file would suggest it's unlikely that I would have purchased a property outright.

I guess 'private tenant' might be the closest option from the choices available, particularly as I don't want to be financially associated with my wife (for her sake).

One of the things I was apprehensive about is some of the fraud detection registers that analyse your various credit applications over the years to detect any inconsistencies. I don't want to get flagged up for changing my story, as it were, so thought it best to pick one option and stick to it.

sunflower_2

Our mortgage is in hubby's name only.

I still class myself as a mortgaged homeowner on forms and have never had any problems.
Whilst completing a form with a bank manager recently I explained the situation and she ticked "homeowner" so I dont think you are doing anything wrong.