Refusing to pay rent please help

Poppypen

Can anyone advise me on where I stand ? I have lived in my council property for 20 years. When I got married 2 years ago I added my husband to my tenancy with the intention of us buying the house. He now won't contribute to anything in the household and will not leave (obviously I know he's entitled to be there because I was stupid enough to put him on my tenancy). I consider us to be separated while he refuses to acknowledge this.

I find myself paying for everything. Does anyone know if I have any grounds with him not paying? Or any general advice would be greatly appreciated x

G_M

I'm afraid you have a personal, matrimonial, issue - not a housing issue.

Unless you have grounds to get a court order banning him from the property (violence/abuse etc) he has as much right to be there as you.

As joint tenants, you are both equally liable for the full rent. The council/landlord will not differentiate (eg 'his' share and 'your' share) - they just expect the full rent to be paid.

Your options are

* to arrange a reconciliation, or
* to reach a compromise on sharing costs, or
* to start divorce proceedings

t0rt0ise

Divorce maybe?

Poppypen

Divorce? If only I could afford one.


Thanks for the replies. Guess I was just hoping someone had a idea I hadn't thought of.

Red-Squirrel_2

I would get in touch with Women's Aid. They might be able to help you find a way to separate from him without ending up homeless. Refusing to contribute to the household bills in order to punish you and push you into financial hardship is abusive.

Margot123

Yes, contact a charity specialising in domestic abuse. They can advise you on your best course of action.

You may not realise it but you are being financially abused. This is one form of domestic abuse that isn't often recognised but Women's Aid etc are very aware of the underhand tactics used in these situations. Not all abuse is physical and visible.

AdrianC

Poppypen wrote: »

Divorce? If only I could afford one.

Sounds cheaper than your current situation.

Comms69

Why is he not contributing? Surely that's the key question - some people are so quick to jump to the abuse angle.

Poppypen

Comms69.

He is not contributing because it's his money and he thinks I should work more if I want more money because he thinks I'm lazy. (I currently work 32 hours a week plus am responsible for all childcare and household responsibilities. Tax credits are based on us as a married couple and therefore considered that he would be contributing) He eats the food I've bought, uses the electric I've paid for etc....

Comms69

Poppypen wrote: »

Comms69.

He is not contributing because it's his money and he thinks I should work more if I want more money because he thinks I'm lazy. (I currently work 32 hours a week plus am responsible for all childcare and household responsibilities. Tax credits are based on us as a married couple and therefore considered that he would be contributing) He eats the food I've bought, uses the electric I've paid for etc....

So could you start turning things off, not providing food his likes etc. ?


Where did dialogue fail?

Poppypen

Comms69. Dialogue failed the day we got married. Together 4 years before getting married. Nicest guy you could ever meet. Slowly but surely got worse month after month since.