How much rent should I charge my partner?

Tom99

tvmarie wrote: »

Thank you Comms69 -
But would he have an interest in the property? Even with an agreement?
Somehow, it doesn't feel fair that he would have an interest in the property for paying rent.
Given that I have a hefty mortgage to pay (Im not asking for him to contribute to that and I won't be basing the rent on the mortgage cost) .. if he were a lodger in a shared house he would be paying monthly rent and wouldn't have a financial interest in the property?

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]There is absolutely no reason why you should provide him with rent free accommodation.[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]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 that 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.[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]If you have a written agreement that whatever he pays you will not give him an interest in the property you will be fine. [/FONT]

PasturesNew

I'd suggest: split the costs/bills/outings 50/50.

As for rent - no. Instead, agree a sum between you and he has to pay that into a separate savings account every month.

If things aren't going well, that's his "running money". He takes that and goes. If things work out that becomes "joint money" and can be used to move house/pay down the mortgage or something ....

unholyangel

gettingtheresometime wrote: »

It doesn't cost anymore to light up a room if there's one person or two in it. Same for heating.


Food obviously is a different kettle of fish.

Sure, but couples aren't joined at the hip. They could work different shifts/have different schedules, not spend all day in the same room with each other or like a different temperature.

More showers/baths, more laundry, more dishes, more electrical appliances...higher usage.

OP....see a solicitor and they'll draft an agreement for you. But obviously once you've spoken to your partner. No point drafting and agreement if they're not going to sign it.

It may not cost more to light up a room if there is 1 or 2, but there is higher usage so it energy itself does cost more.

Gavin83

Tom99 wrote: »

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]If you have a written agreement that whatever he pays you will not give him an interest in the property you will be fine. [/FONT]

He'd be an idiot to agree to signing such a document but it would of course be his choice. I'd expect he'd at least have to seek his own legal advice before signing such an important agreement.

Comms69

Tom99 wrote: »

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]There is absolutely no reason why you should provide him with rent free accommodation.[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]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 that 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.[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]If you have a written agreement that whatever he pays you will not give him an interest in the property you will be fine. [/FONT]

Ye I wouldn’t bet on that.

hazyjo

74jax wrote: »

If you want him to be a lodger then by all means change your mortgage to allow you to be a land lord and get all the insurance you need to be a land lord, but that seems a weird way round having your boyfriend move in with you.

He still couldn't be a lodger. Not if they're in a relationship.

And you'd not need to change your mortgage either to become a landlord to take in lodgers. Nor take out landlord's insurance.

unholyangel

It is dependant on circumstance but if OP has a signed declaration stating he knows he's not gaining a interest in the property, I can't see a court ruling that it was a mutual intention for him to gain a beneficial interest.

Wanting an interest in something doesn't automatically give you a interest. Only the owner can grant you that right.

Tom99

Gavin83 wrote: »

He'd be an idiot to agree to signing such a document but it would of course be his choice. I'd expect he'd at least have to seek his own legal advice before signing such an important agreement.

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Why would he be an idiot if he has no intention of claiming a share of the property?
[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Why would he need legal advice?
[/FONT]

tvmarie

Thank you everyone - you've really given me food for thought. I think I've come to the decision that a share of the bills and food (no rent) would be best and I will ask him to contribute more to our holidays and leisure activities.
As per some of the comments, Im not sure that I feel comfortable charging him a rent - as he will have no interest in the property. However, if he moves in on a full time basis (ie not staying at his mother's when he has access to the children) at any point, we can always discuss it again.

I really appreciate everyone's contribution and its been great to hear thoughts on both sides.
However, if there are any "real life" examples out there of how other couples have navigated this particular issue - I'd really appreciate it!

tvmarie

beverley1471 wrote: »

Could your partner buy all of the food, or the leisure activities that you usually pay for? It does seem fair that he pays for something

Thank you - I think this is the solution that I feel most comfortable with for now. It can always be re-considered if things change in the future. :-)