Would you be happy with this rent split?

[Dustyspringfield10]

700 including bills for a one-bed flat. If one person pays 500 who is in full time employment, salary of 1200 per month. The other person isn't in work due to covid and pays 200 per month.
If the person unemployed looks for and finds a job they could split the rent 350 each way. Would you accept to pay 300 more per month than the unemployed person?

You don't sound like you like or respect him. I'm not sure moving in is the right thing to do, regardless of finances.

Op you need to tell the agency you've had a change of circs and can't afford that tenancy. They're more likely to let it go (albeit keeping your deposit) because they won't want to have to pay eviction costs.
You really need to check about the benefit entitlements before making any decisions. The rules are more complicated than you think. For example, they don't use the full rent cost when taking into account what they might pay - they'll cap it according to what the govt think is a fair price for a flat (a lot less than the reality) It will be capped again re bills, as a housing element will be rent only, so they wouldn't consider the full cost on your tenancy agreement. From whatever is left, they'll decide how much you and your partner should be entitled to live off, that will always be staggeringly low for a couple without children. Essentially they'll only allow you to have slightly more income than you would if you were also on benefits. It doesn't take into account that your outgoings will be higher than someone on benefits, eg the debt payment, or the lifestyle that you'll have as someone working (not suggesting it's grand, but basics like a work wardrobe, the odd lunch and transport costs all add up)
You really need to be on a more equal footing to move in together.

I would imagine the person not working is not getting very much money. If that is the case, then I think it is reasonable that the person who is earning her/his usual salary picks up the slack. I can't say in all honesty that I would be very happy about it - I don't think anyone would - but it seems unavoidable as far as I can see.

What would be the alternative anyway - kicking someone out because they couldn't contribute equally? That seems harsh to me.

If I thought the person wasn't making a proper effort to get a job or was being wasteful (for example with heating), I think I would set a deadline or ask that they contribute a bit more than half for a period of time when they do get work. I also think if the person has time free at home, they should make a bigger contribution towards household tasks.

Of course, it depends on the relationship with the person. I expect most people would help a very good friend or partner - at least for a period of time. But even if it was the case of a flatmate who had always been conscientious and responsible in the past, I think it would be reasonable to expect less of a contribution. Losing a job - especially at this time - can happen to anyone.

If your partner didn't move in with you, would you stay in this house yourself?

If you are staying there regardless, being by yourself would mean you end up paying more. If your partner can move in and contribute a bit that would help you a lot. If make sure he was job hunting and doing the general tasks round the house too for it.

If the roles were reversed, would you hope your partner would support you in that position?

In a couple yes, perhaps close family, depending on the relationship, Otherwise no.

@willithappen if you read the thread, they're not living together yet, and given the OPs income there's every likelihood that the OP would be earning enough in DWPs eyes to support them both. Partner could well be entitled to zero benefits on a joint claim.

Call the letting agency. Tell them that you and your boyfriend have split up. Cry and sob down the phone. They (and the landlord) aren't going to want to let to a tenant who can't afford the rent.

And next time find a boyfriend with a job before you move in with them.

@Cheesyblasters I did read the thread but it wasn't as clear, no need for snark.

I'm only asking if they'd stay there themselves regardless. If yes, then partner staying could help, even if it's a little amount or just them doing things round the house. Like I said I'd be pushing them to get a job and pay their way eventually though.

@willithappen it wasn't intended to be a snark, however if you're going to ignore the OPs updates and the posters who have taken time to provide accurate information in the replies then you'll need to grow a thicker skin before posting.
Doing the odd bit of housework isn't going to cut it if the OP wouldnt be earning enough to cover both their costs every month. Its one thing supporting a partner who's had an unavoidable cut in income, quite another taking a step in a new relationship that is liable to land you in debt.

I'd also be suspicious about the boyfriend who has presumably agreed this tenancy without looking into the finances. Most people who are working don't realise how tight the benefit system is. If the boyfriend is currently claiming then the onus is on him to find out what his entitlement would be and whether he could afford it before he agrees to move in with the OP - he would be well aware that the risk is on her.

I didn't ignore anything, my questions to OP still stand 😇

I supported my partner a few years back when he was unemployed. I actually had two jobs which covered our living costs while he was looking.
In turn, later down the line my partner has supported me. He invested in himself, got more qualifications (I supported while he went through college) and when he began making money he more than made up for it. He worked offshore for a few months and his first pay he basically sent the whole lot to me.

Since then he now earns more, so pays more for things and will support if I need.

It's important to be aware of things of course, but it's not something impossible to do. It all depends on your relationship and how you think you'd cope.

Just wanted to share a more positive side to this :/

When I moved in with my then boyfriend (now husband) Our flat was £800 and bills on top. I paid £550 and he did the rest. Its the done thing. 11 years later, we're married, have kids and hes on 4 k a month, me 1k and I pay nothing towards our mortgage or bills. Just kids stuff/days outs! If you're going to resent him, its not worth doing it. Dump him. Move on!

I don’t know why you are in a relationship or signed a lease with a partner you don’t like.

But since you did, suck it up buttercup I know that’s your favourite phrase.

I am only resentful because he's not trying hard to get a job and because he had the option of renting a room but didn't want to

Right, you need to find a way to ‘unsign’ and end the relationship. Do you respect him? You sound angry in every single post. He wont get uc. You will gave to support him completely and you already think he is lazy and not interested in getting another job. If you dont find a way out of this before moving in, you will be stuck in the flat after ending it anyway.

Was it signed before he lost job?
Did this discussion not get had prior?
Did you think on UC they'd have the 350 a month and now they've said 'hey...lets split it 500/200'?
Can you ring the landlord and back out? You might be penalised a month or your deposit but it sounds like a small price to pay for getting out of the tenancy.

As everyone else has said as you are a couple and now live together and you earn a modest amount you will be expected to support him whether you have got kids or married or not, that's the way it works.

Did he not tell you that he will have to have his benefits re assessed if you move in together and will need your yearly salary to write down on the application form so that the appropriate deductions can be made? It clearly states on it any change to living arrangements you have to make them aware!
Or was he hoping that you didn't know and would unknowingly commit benefit fraud? But you would still end up trouble even if you didn't know.

I wouldn't do this because I have done it before, and the unemployed person not only did not get a job, but also never paid their share of the rent. Never again.