How should I prepare?

Question

My boyfriend just bought a house and is asking me to move in with him and pay $500 rent. What should i do to prepare myself in terms of legal issues if we were to run into trouble? Should I ask him if utilities are included in the rent? Should I have him sign a contract? I just want to make sure my i's are dotted and my t's are crossed before I jump into this with him. It's a business deal with his friend, with whom he purchased the house with 50/50. Would it be rude of me to assume responsibility of drawing up a list of house rules? The whole reason why I'm being so precotious is because I've lived with people and the screwed me over and I want to avoid that at any costs again. All of your answers are greatly appreciated.

ALSO Should I ask to be on the deed since I will be paying a portion of the mortgage?

Answer 1

Money matters should always be dealt professionally, not allowing any open questions unanswered.
It is a mature and responsible way of handling this. Your boyfriend doesn't have any scruples on insisting you pay rent, so you shouldn't have any either. You have every right to ask about utilities. Yes, sign a contract, since you will be paying rent, like in any other apartment. The contract should also contain a terminating clause. It will protect you from being put out on the street if things shouldn't work out. A 3-month termination notice is a must.
Drawing up a list of house rules is not a bad idea. That way you avoid bad surprises.
If anything, this will make your boyfriend respect you. You're showing him that you can look out for yourself. Go girl!

Answer 2

If I were the boyfriend I should want a lease for any tenant whether it is you or not. His partners should also. They will clarify the ground rules.

As to being on the deed. NO WAY. Tenants don't have the right to own the property. If you are a tenant you are a tenant. If you are looking at it as you are a business partner of his then write up a partnership agreement that addresses the issue and how you would be compensated in the event you split. I think you need to define exactly what your role is.

Answer 3

If you are going to do it, I would get all the details in writing. It seems to me a little bit though that you are unsure about the situation in it's entirety. How about wait a few months and see how things pan out for them? You do not want to get pulled in to any messes. Especially if your boyfriend is wanting you to move in to help him out.

Let them do it on their own first and then jump in if it's something you want to do.

And i think it might be a little out of line to request your name on the deed just because you are helping to pay the mortgage. Look at it this way, would you ask your landlord to put you on the deed of his place because you are essentially paying his mortgage for him?

And house rules are very rarely ever followed. I will not have another roommate if I can ever help it. Too many different personalities.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

I'm speaking from experience. Always cover yourself 1#. If you ever have to make venture whereas you are in a partnership things must be 50/50. Make sure your name is on that lease before you invest a penny of your money in this house. This may be your boyfriend, and God forbid this to happen, but what if he just up and asks you to leave one day, and with your name no where on the lease you would have to leave. So please cover yourself in this process. The way for you to tell if he is really and truly serious about this venture is to put him to the test, and if he doesn't put your name on the lease then don't make a move.

Answer 5

You are definitely headed in the right direction. A written lease is crucial, so that there is agreement on the terms of the tenancy and particularly on the terms for ending it. You should negotiate on the subject of house rules, and of how utilities are to be handled. And this is not precocious at all -- it is just good common sense.

Answer 6

You know, my mom always taught me to get it in writing... even when I would barrow things from her (money wise not clothes and stuff) she would ALWAYS make me sign a contract with her. Stating the date, the cost, my responsibilities etc.

I think that if you are moving in with him... this should be no different than a business deal. You should know who pays what, is the 500 that your paying cover you share of water, electricity, garbage and gas? who's going to pay for the cable, phone and other expenses? It's always a good ideal to get that stuff in writing.... it will save you alot in the end.

Also, drawing up a map of who does what or what is expected of each member in the house can save ALOT of head ache in the end. But this should be a group effort... no one person should do it... group effort.

I wish you the best of luck


<< you can get other good tips from day time TV ... you know Judge Judy... funny but true.... alot of younger people are on the show because of similar situations, and the person who has it in writing ALWAYS wins >>

Answer 7

if in doubt get it in writing that way you have something to stand on when it comes to it. if he asks why just tell him the truth and if he can't accept it then don't move in or tell him you will move in for free. as for house rules and responsibilities ask them to sort something out first then offer to do it, as that will make thing clear. they own it, it is their responsibility to accept and make the rules. as for the rental agreement you need both to agree to it not just one. always best to cover your butt when it comes to that

Answer 8

Get a contract

Answer 9

the house has closed. he cant put your name on the deed unless you marry him. that is, his friend and he applied for the loan not you.

yes, get a rental lease from your local realtor trade association.

Answer 10

If you were my girlfriend I would not charge you rent!