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Co-habiting

Stephanie1986
Stephanie1986 Posts: 1 Newbie
in House buying, renting & selling
Hi,
I am buying a new house on my own but my bf is moving in with me.


He hasn't put anything towards the cost of this house but will be paying me an amount each month as if he is a lodger.


If we were to break up is he entitled to anything? Do I need to take anything out to cover myself?


Thanks

Comments

  • Comms69
    Comms69 Posts: 14,229 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Third Anniversary Name Dropper
    Possibly yes. He's not a lodger. He's a partner.


    Common suggestion is that you split bills. And he puts an amount into a savings account for what he would otherwise pay you as rent.


    If down the line you decide to buy together he has a pot.
  • SimbaSimon
    SimbaSimon Posts: 810 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Similar situation to us somewhat. My house is mine, gf moved in. I pay the mortgage completely on my own, and any improvement work.

    I have a separate account we both pay x into each month, and all general bills go out from Inc gas/electric, food, council tax etc.

    If they pay towards the mortgage, I believe they can claim that they have paid X and deserve Y should things go wrong which is why I do it the way above.
  • Comms69
    Comms69 Posts: 14,229 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Third Anniversary Name Dropper
    SimbaK2K wrote: »
    Similar situation to us somewhat. My house is mine, gf moved in. I pay the mortgage completely on my own, and any improvement work.

    I have a separate account we both pay x into each month, and all general bills go out from Inc gas/electric, food, council tax etc.

    If they pay towards the mortgage, I believe they can claim that they have paid X and deserve Y should things go wrong which is why I do it the way above.
    Yes it's called a beneficial interest.
  • Tom99
    Tom99 Posts: 5,371 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Second Anniversary
    He could only claim a beneficial interest if that is what you both intended to happen.
    However to be on the safe side draw up a simple document signed by you both to say that paying you whatever you are charging him does not give him any beneficial interest in the house.
    There is no reason why he should live rent free so don't be taken in by all the scare stories about what he might have a claim to.
  • Comms69
    Comms69 Posts: 14,229 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Third Anniversary Name Dropper
    Tom99 wrote: »
    He could only claim a beneficial interest if that is what you both intended to happen.
    However to be on the safe side draw up a simple document signed by you both to say that paying you whatever you are charging him does not give him any beneficial interest in the house.
    There is no reason why he should live rent free so don't be taken in by all the scare stories about what he might have a claim to.



    Except those have routinely been challenged in court...
  • Tom99
    Tom99 Posts: 5,371 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Second Anniversary
    edited 6 June 2019 at 5:21AM
    Comms69 wrote: »
    Except those have routinely been challenged in court...
    Do you have an example of a successful case where the couple have agreed previously in writing that no beneficial interest can be claimed?

    The non-owner can only claim a beneficial interest if either:
    1 - The parties have already agreed in writing that such and interest exists or
    2 - The partner has made a contribution and there was a common intention between the parties the a beneficial interest was to happen or
    3 - There was a common intention that the non-owner would gain a beneficial interest and evidence of express discussion about this and the non-owner has acted to their detriment in relying on this common intention.
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