Tenancy in common with paranoid schizophrenic

Syh_2

About 6 months ago I entered into a tenancy in common with a lifelong friend as a way for us both to get on the property ladder.

Recently he had his first paranoid schizophrenic attack. I understand it was not his fault and i strongly wish and hope that he can have have a happy life.

However, having read up around the illness things do not seem positive. I understand that he now more than ever needs support but having seen him at his worst, in the long term it is not something I feel able to provide. Perhaps it is too soon to start thinking about the future as he may never have another episode but the statistics say it is far more likely he will.

So my question is can I exit a tenancy in common by forcing him to sell and what would the legal cost be? Additionally if anyone has experience of friends or family with this condition am I being too pessimistic?

I have phoned mental health lines for advice but they tend to listen and be sympathetic where as I could do with someone giving me strong opinions.

G_M

What were the terms of the Deed you Executed when putting your joint ownership in place?

What did you agree about share of equity? What did you agree regarding disposal, and what would hapen if one of you wished to sell, or buy the other out?

'Forcing' him to sell (his share to you? or jointly sell and split the equity?) is possible via the courts, but costly, stressfull and difficult, especially if he does not wish to. You'll need legal advice.

An amicable agreement about the future is a far better way to go. Bake a cake.

ArabellaLondon

Is he medicated ? If you have known him for life and this is his first paranoid attack and he is an adult I'm inclined to believe he has been controlling his 'illness' very well. . Him only having one episode in however many years it is shows he is doing something right, the stories you read of people doing drastic things and going crazy one day do not align with an adult who may be managing themselves very well.

Is he medicated ? Is he okay now ? If so I'm not sure how you'd do with this claim...if it was a person with a long history perhaps but one episode in adult life doesn't sound like a reason to force him to sell...

Syh_2

We have 50% of the equity each and signed a declaration of trust. I will need to read the contract fully when I return to the house. Our discussions about selling where always verbal and positve, along the lines of we would sell in 5 years when one wants toget married or further pursue their career, Yes I know it was naive, neither of us has health insurance either.

Syh_2

He is 33 and this is his first attack. I was the one who persuaded hi to visit the gp and was there when they spoke. The GP went through his record and stated their was no prior illness. He has been medicated for about a week and has made improvements. My dealings with him have been limited as I have slept elsewhere and been at work. I will spend more time with him on the weekend to get a feel. Hopefully it is too early but I need to have an exit plan just in case.

Andypandyboy

How urgent is it do you feel for you to end this arrangement? Can you wait and see how it goes whilst maybe considering a change of job location? My thinking is if you force the issue it may cause him to become upset and relapse but if you set the scene for your exit it may go more smoothly.

Of course, the question is can he afford to buy you out? If not, would he be happy selling and either finding something cheaper by downsizing or going back to renting/home?

Sadly, I think this issue is going to be fraught with problems.

ArabellaLondon

If he has no prior record of having mental illness how do you know he is paranoid schizophrenic ? You state he has only been to visit a GP? Did this person refer him to a specialist or was it a case of him going there, being given medications and diagnosed by the GP and leaving ? If so, I'm sure his GP has referred him to other services and I'd advise you to wait till you have a proper diagnosis. GP's aren't very equipped for these things....

In relation to your question you can force a sale via the courts, it's expensive though. That will be your only option if you wish to sell and he doesn't.

I don't see him getting to the point where he was incapable of making his own decisions or you being awarded his decision maker so that would be your only option.

tlc678910

Severe sleep deprivation can be a huge contributory factor. If the person has been working night and day or become very insomniac this can create symptoms. If this sounds possible anything to regain sleep will help to restore their balance - as well as taking the meds the doctor prescribed of course. (sorry if off topic).
Tlc

ArabellaLondon

tlc678910 wrote: »

Severe sleep deprivation can be a huge contributory factor. If the person has been working night and day or become very insomniac this can create symptoms. If this sounds possible anything to regain sleep will help to restore their balance - as well as taking the meds the doctor prescribed of course. (sorry if off topic).
Tlc

I completely agree, that's why I asked more questions. A man of 33 showing no previous signs of mental illness,, having one 'attack' then being diagnosed as schizophrenic by a GP in a few moments? hmmm.

I work in an environment where people can work up to 100 hours a week and I have seen how sleep deprivation, lack of food etc can make people psychotic. I'd wait for him to see his primary care group/psychiatrist before labelling him anything or assuming he will continue the behaviour ongoing when he has never exhibited it before...

Syh_2

The gp diagnosed him. I believe the actual diagnostic will need to be undertaken by a psychiatrist after 6 months. However we did have the crisis team round who recommended hospitalization followed by the home help team who said there were no beds. This team consisted off a mental health nurse and a psychiatrist who carried out an assessment on him. They prescribed a mixture of antipsycotics, anti anxiety and sleeping pills. I strongly believe that the working prognosis is paranoid schizophrenia.

I think my best course of action is preparing my options while waiting to see if there is a relapse.

If I can not afford the court action can I stop paying my half of the mortgage and force a repossession and possible self bankruptcy if I am out of options?

Person_one

Syh wrote: »

If I can not afford the court action can I stop paying my half of the mortgage and force a repossession and possible self bankruptcy if I am out of options?

That would be a terrible idea.

You're panicking, stop, breathe, slow down. This is somebody you've known for many years who you trust and like enough to buy a house with. They haven't become a different person, they are ill. They are being treated and getting help. Many many people live with mental illness that they manage with medications and therapies and are no danger to anybody else and perfectly capable of living a normal life. Your friend may just need a bit of time to adjust and then you could carry on with your plan as intended.