Dispute with family member.

Yellow_mango

I’ve not seen that you’ve specified how this work will be funded. The implication is that your sister will be fully funding the work.

So you will benefit from something that will presumably enhance the value of your house, at no cost.

Other than the short term disruption, what exactly is your objection?

happyandcontented

If your sister is paying for it, then you will benefit from the added value to the property providing it is done well and is an asset to it.

enthusiasticsaver

There is no way that legally you could stop your sister from having work done if she is paying for it so you have a choice. You can either put up with it or make plans to part company and buy your own property. That is the issue with properties owned jointly. You both have rights but stopping work being done is much harder unless you confront the builder and he is unwilling to go ahead but I don't think he will be bothered if you are not the one paying him.

As others have said why are you both so stuck on this particular issue? Do you have anything specific against wet rooms and does your sister have a reason for needing one? Disability? Is there another bathroom in the property you can use as yours?

G_M

enthusiasticsaver wrote: »

There is no way that legally you could stop your sister from having work done if she is paying for it so you have a choice.

I disagree.


Any work would require the consent of 'The Owner'. In this case 'The Owner' is 2 people - they would need to agree any change. Who pays is a completely separate matter.


But stopping unilateral action would require a court injunction as I suggested earlier.


I doubt any sensible builder would want to get into the middle of such a dispute with the risk of court action. Hence my suggestion of a formal letter.

xylophone

You mention in another thread the possibility of moving into another property in the future.

If your intention would be to leave your sister in the existing one, why not let her arrange this property to her liking?

You cite disruption but this is only temporary - surely you could tolerate it for a short period?

Smodlet

To enthusiasticsaver, congrats on becoming a board guide! So sorry I did not know until now.

YoungBlueEyes

Before my sis and I sold our house, we had fervent disagreements (!) about whether to put in a new kitchen + bathroom etc or to market as is. In the end I got a RICS surveyor to come round and give us 2 valuations. The work wouldn’t have been worth it financially so we sold it as was. Perhaps a 3rd party could bring a resolution for yous too?

If it isn’t about the money now, would it be in the future? If she’s paying the bill will she expect it all back when yous sell up/one buys the other out? Something I’d like to sort out at the start personally...

If it was me I’d let her do it and pay for it, and while she had her hand in her pocket she could treat me to a holiday/hotel for the duration. Another plus would be I’d effectively have my own personally bathroom when I got back, as she’ll presumably prefer her new wet room! Marvellous!

I’d sort out that future value split thing first though.

Keep_pedalling

longleggedhair wrote: »

Yes both names are on the deeds, joint tennants. I do hope it won't be necessary for us to move into separate properties.

It's difficult to know because bot arguments are correct. It's her property and it's my property. Do I have the right to say no and does she have the right to say yes. It's difficult to know legally where either stand.

You really need to ask yourself if it is really worth wrecking the relationship with your sister over this. The reasons you give for not wanting the work done do not seem to be worth the fight.

As for the joint tenancy, are you both happy that you the survivor will own the house outright after one of you dies. If you want someone else to inherit then you need both a will and to convert ownership to tenants in common.

Chickenlips

Is this a want or a need? If your sister is of ill health and feels that this would make life a little kinder on her, I don't really think you have reasonable grounds to deny it.

Seanymph

This is the same as any other couple who jointly own a property (or rent one, or live together, or are booking a holiday, or are choosing a carpet!)... when two people have to find a way forwards it gets difficult sometimes.

The rule that seems to work for us as a couple is which of the two of us it's most important to - and the other tries to give way.

Now with this you seem to be coming across as a bit on the lower side of the scale - you are just worried about short term disruption, your partner in ownership is enhancing the value of the property, improving your living conditions and future proofing you home as you get older.

Ask yourself why you want to win so much - wouldn't you rather be happy than win?

Go away for a month, take a holiday, spend some time visiting gardens or libraries or stay with a friend or catch a lot of buses - it doesn't matter.

But why can't you gift her something she wants so much if you are happy living with her in all other respects?

Restricting someone always rankles more for them than allowing them will for you.

No one wants to be in a living situation where their choices are taken away.