My sisters boyfriend just bought a house. She has not had any decision making abilities and no say so in any of the shopping, buying, decorating, etc. of the purchase of the house and everything in it. He asked her to move in with him. They both have steady jobs but he makes about 3 times more than she does. How should they handle the bills, including mortgage, groceries, utilities, etc.?
2007-05-15 08:26:22 · 10 answers · asked by Shabby 3 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Obviously, this will depend on the couple, and whatever kind of agreement they wish to make.
For me, personally, I would say that, if he earns three times as much money, he should pay three times as much as she does.
For example, if he puts $3000 a month into their shared expenses, than she should put $1000.
As for paying "rent" to her boyfriend, that sounds a little odd. I personally think it should be more of a partnership. If it is a shared expense, they both pay a certain amount according to their income. Since they are partners, and not roommates, it should not be 50-50, but rather each according to what they can afford to bring to the partnership (in my opinion, at least).
If there are serious financial issues between them, they could always draft a Cohabitation Agreement (sometimes called a Common Law Partner Agreement). This would allow them to outline in writing what each of their rights and obligations will be in the relationship (as well as what they will be if the relationship ends).
2007-05-15 10:03:23 · answer #1 · answered by Adam S 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ew. No say so in anything? If he's making the mortgage payments, was it on his credit alone that he got the loan? If he is financially able to buy a house and wants her to live there I don't think she should pay a dime. Unless my name is on the mortgage and I get to help with the decisions, I'd be an overnight guest once a week. Forget moving in 100%.
If he can afford to do it on his own, then maybe he should live alone. I think he wants her to be the housekeeper and keep him warm at night, otherwise he's have included her in the decision making process.
I wouldn't live with him until he (a) puts ring on my finger (2) put my name of the deed to the house (3) decides who is going to do his cooking, cleaning and laundry if I didn't move in.
If this guy is going from living with his Mama to buying this house, he's just expecting her to do the "woman's work." Been there, done that, hated it.
2007-05-15 08:36:35 · answer #2 · answered by wwhrd 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Maybe she can pay a percentage of her income- traditionally 25% of a person's salary should go towards housing expenses. If it's only the two of them, I'd say split the other stuff down the middle- with the exception of "special" food items that one of them indulges in and the other not (say beer, or whatever). I'd say it sounds like her BF is a micro-manager and perhaps a bit of a bully, so it may be wise for her to keep her finances seperate, to make a hasty retreat if things don't work out.
2007-05-15 08:31:38 · answer #3 · answered by GEEGEE 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Oooh, tell her not to do it! If her options are paying rent for her own place, versus paying her bf rent to stay with him, in all cases I'd say pay the rent for your own place!!!! Why be out the money and helping the bf pay for his house, when at any moment he could give her the boot and she'd be homeless? He would have just been using her! Have her keep her own place no matter what, until they get married. Then the house should be put in her name too and they can figure out finances. But she'll completely lose her independence if she moves in. BAD IDEA.
2007-05-16 09:38:06 · answer #4 · answered by A W 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She should pay fair market value for the rent. If he makes 50 times more the rent price should be the same unless he wants to give her a break.
2007-05-15 10:56:56 · answer #5 · answered by frankie b 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
'Never,Never,Never enter into a verbal agreement with a "boyfriend,significant other,parents,in laws,children".In this case she should sign a rental agreement-legally binding-that spells out exactly what her obligations are,her access to amenities,etc.etc.All to frequently the first taste of love(or the second or third)results in the first taste of bitterness(or the second or third). A commitment is not made over drinks,while sharing a pillow or in casual conversation.It's serious business.
2007-05-15 09:37:56 · answer #6 · answered by david o 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If he asked her to move in, shouldn't he pay the mortgage? She should bank her money and, if they get married, she can buy into the house. If they break up, she will have money to get a house of her own. Otherwise she is just contributing to his future financial well being with someone else if they break up.
2007-05-15 08:56:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
It is up to them to make an agreement. Have her go over her bills and finance available and what she can afford.
2007-05-15 08:34:37 · answer #8 · answered by Sharon S 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As long as there are cows that give free milk, there will be dogs that lap it up.
2007-05-15 08:53:57 · answer #9 · answered by teran_realtor 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's between them - whatever they agree on.
2007-05-15 08:31:52 · answer #10 · answered by Judy 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋