house ownership

[seharris77]

I bought a house 18 months ago, it's in my name, the mortgage is in my name and I paid �13K of the value of the house as a deposit using my own money. I spent another �15k on doing the house up, again with my savings. My boyfriend moved in with me but the relationship is rocky and he says that if we split he is entitled to half the house. I am in shock and extremely worried that he can actually do this. What is the legal position here? Thanks for your help!

[divegirl]

Hi....please wait for a more legal answer to this, but in my humble opinion....tell his to **** off! His name isn't on anything and I wouldn't imagine that even if he has payed towards the mortgage [and can prove it] he would be entitled to anything.

Good luck

Lisa x

[shero101]

If you are not married and the other party is not named on the property, they have no legal interest in it.
I share divegirl's comments regarding what to tell him.

[Ethel]

He is talking nonsense and has no rights over your property whatsover. He may be entitled to have back any monies he has put into the house - but nothing else. And if you can show that he would have spent that on rent elsewhere, then he's not even entitled to that.

This will put your mind at rest:

http://www.lawontheweb.co.uk/basics/cohabit.ht m

Now kick him out!

[seharris77]

Thank you so much for your advice, I feel much more secure now. I know that the law changed regarding common-law partners but I just can't believe that after scrimping and saving for years to buy a house that someone could just claim half when they have contributed nothing. He does pay me rent (but there is no contract) but yes, he would only be paying rent somewhere else if he wasn't living at mine.
Thanks everyone!

[redcrx]

If it was that easy then we'd all be finding someone to move in with and then claiming half their property.

Tell him to poke it where the sun dont shine.

Oh and split with him anyway, he sounds like a barsteward!!!!

[chakka35]

Yes relax, seharris, your home is very much your own, as the others have said, and the man himself seems like a real ess aitch one tee to be worrying you in this way. If you are too courteous to laugh in his face then tell him to go and get a solicitor's letter to state his claim. That will allow the solicitor a big laugh instead.
Or show him this correspondence and hope that he bows his head in shame before you boot him out.