how long do you have to be living with someone in the u.k before they can claim part of your house?

Question

i've been going out with my girlfriend for almost 5yrs now and last year i bought a house the house is in my name as is the mortgage but the electricity bill is in her name we've been living with each other now for 15 months but looks like we’ll split up very soon, legally will she get part of the house even know im paying for it?

even know the bill is in her name i pay it it only was inn her name cause i was out of the country when we got hooked up

Answer 1

Is a legal issue. Best go to a lawyer.

Answer 2

NO if you are paying the mortgage and its soley in your name then she has no claim over the house at all.

In truth, there are no such people as 'common law wives' and 'common law husbands', since the concept of a common law marriage was abolished way back in 1753 by the Marriage Act. Despite the fact that it is frequently referred to in the press, it plays no part in the law of England and Wales. If you are an unmarried couple living together (whether in a heterosexual or a homosexual relationship), it is extremely unclear as to whether you have any special rights against your partner if you separate, however long you have lived together and however many children you may have. This means that you may not have any special rights for financial help if things go wrong. But there are steps you can take to ensure that you will be financially provided for in the event of separation, illness or death.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

It is all about your intentions.

The fact that she is paying the bills means that by doing so she is allowing you to pay the mortgage. You are pooling your resources as a couple. She is indirectly also contributing to the mortgage. She should morally as well as legally be entitled to half anyway.

Come on... just because you are going to split up doesn't mean you need to try and rip her off. You would feel better I am sure if you came away from the relationship with clean hands, having been generous and not stingy.

Answer 4

i echo everything giggle angel has said but need to add that a new bill or law is about to be passed (uk)about this issue so maybe you need to make a decision soon. i dont agree that a 15 months of paying an electric bill morally or legally entitles her to a share of the house. if i was her i certainly wouldnt expect a portion unless i had paid half the deposit and the mortgage.

Answer 5

Nicky seeing you have been living just 15 months together i would think she has no claim on your house and whatsmore she cant force you to sell, but what i find strange why did you let her be the recipient of the utilities she might know something that most of us don't. But anyway take legal advice

Answer 6

Start charging her rent. She will not be able to claim any of the house if she hasn't put money in. Just to be on the safe side take the electricity meter off the wall and give it her

Answer 7

just went through this in november last year. she has no claim over your house. as your not married. the only way she can get anything is if she has any paper work that she has paid for ie. a fitted kitchen etc. other than that she has no hold over you so don't worry it

Answer 8

Sell the house quickly or get the elctricity bill into your name

Answer 9

Oopsy. I think you'll find that it's not YOUR house, it's your house as in the both of you. It's very clearly your gilfriend's home and you'll struggle to prove otherwise, therefore she does have an entitlement.

Answer 10

as the law stands at the moment she will have no right to anything off you regarding the property as its in your name only,its only if her name is on the deeds that she can claim.