Own my own property and boyfriend wants to move in temporarily to save money

RubyTgr

Ive has my own mortgage for the passed year. My boyfriend and I haven’t been going out for too long. It’s only a one bed flat so I’m future we would plan to get a mortgage together on a new property. The main reason is we are both struggling with money a little and it would be a massive help living together rather than alone. However with it being early days, if it all goes wrong I want to protect my self. Can I write up my own contract or get a solicitor to to say he has no rights over my property/mortgage? Do I make sure he only pays towards bills? I realise it will also affect my single persons discount for my council tax but is there anything else it would affect?

Many thanks in advance

Attila_the_Bun

RubyTgr wrote: »

I realise it will also affect my single persons discount for my council tax but is there anything else it would affect?

Many thanks in advance

Yes, your sanity

I take it he's working? Can he not get a little studio flat for himself for a while?

I can see the positives from his POV - washing done, housework done, no landlord to contend with, cheap rent.. but from yours? What's in it for YOU if he were to move in?

CIS

Do I make sure he only pays towards bills? I realise it will also affect my single persons discount for my council tax but is there anything else it would affect?

It will also affect your council tax liability - the moment the property becomes his 'sole or main residence' he falls jointly liable for the council tax charge with you from that date.

Craig

Malthusian

Attila_the_Bun wrote: »

I can see the positives from his POV - washing done, housework done, no landlord to contend with, cheap rent.. but from yours? What's in it for YOU if he were to move in?

Washing shared, housework shared? The OP didn't say her boyfriend is a character from a 1940s sitcom.

RubyTgr wrote:

My boyfriend and I haven’t been going out for too long. It’s only a one bed flat so I’m future we would plan to get a mortgage together on a new property.

That's quite a committment given you haven't been going out for too long.

If he pays towards the mortgage he may acquire equity in the house.

If he doesn't pay you anything and he only pays towards the bills, then he shouldn't acquire rights over the property. However, this means he'll be staying rent-free. This helps him with his money problems immensely, but does very little about yours.

If you want him to pay you rent to help with your money problems, while ensuring he doesn't acquire any equity in the house, you'll need to act as any landlord would and get legal advice.

chesky

If he DOES move in (and I think it's a bad idea) consult a solicitor first - you don't want him refusing to move out if it doesn't work out.

Comms69

chesky wrote: »

If he DOES move in (and I think it's a bad idea) consult a solicitor first - you don't want him refusing to move out if it doesn't work out.

Yes he couldn't do that. Why waste £200 on a solicitor

Fireflyaway

If you are planning to live together anyway then this sounds like a good test. If it doesn't work out its best to know now, before you sell your place and have a joint mortgage.
As others say, ensure he doesn't contribute to the mortgage then he is more like a lodger. Some money towards the bills / food will help you out and if it doesn't work out its not a major stress to sort out.
Me and my husband met in October and moved in together the following January so it can work out. Couples never used to live together before marriage so they were taking the same chance!

onomatopoeia99

Malthusian wrote: »

Washing shared, housework shared? The OP didn't say her boyfriend is a character from a 1940s sitcom.

It's the default assumption on this forum.

Malthusian wrote: »

If he pays towards the mortgage he may acquire equity in the house.

Only if there is an agreement (express or implied) that he accquires a beneficial interest through paying rent, and if implied, then there is a shared undertanding that this would happen.

Just paying rent doesn't automatically establish a beneficial trust.

chesky

Comms69 wrote: »

Yes he couldn't do that. Why waste £200 on a solicitor

The OP doesn't have to waste money on a solicitor, she can get a referral from her local CAB and others will offer a free advice service.

elsien

Attila_the_Bun wrote: »

Yes, your sanity

I take it he's working? Can he not get a little studio flat for himself for a while?

I can see the positives from his POV - washing done, housework done, no landlord to contend with, cheap rent.. but from yours? What's in it for YOU if he were to move in?

Why are you assuming he's going to get his washing and housework done? Or would even expect that? OP is his girlfriend, not his mother.

DigForVictory

I think the OP needs to be very clear on what she expects to get out of this & what steps she is willing to take before & during the unexpected (or, for the fervent doom-sayers around here, forecast) events.

As we're not all a happy cheerful "yes, go on, all will be fine!" community but more a "be blimming careful & get advice first" one, based (sadly) on observation.

Now OP if you want a future with this chap, then may I suggest you start as landlady, getting all the checks done, and bill the dear lad for rent. If you're feeling exceptionally benevolent this can go into a savings account towards that future mortgage (just happen not to mention that).

Keeps everything on a formal civilized footing so that if he turns out to be an unspeakable flat-share then you have a clear legal path to get rid (I know, we're such *raving* optimists) but if it does turn out sunny then you have a handy little nest egg.

He may feel wounded at your apparent lack of trust - well it's us evil advisors who are the untrusting sorts & we've never met Either of you, we just want you to hang onto that flat without any backchat. If he's so devastated he won't move in, well, haven't you found out blissfully early he was Mr.Wrong?

All the very best of luck!