Boyfriend charging me rent at a property he owns

[blueamanda]

Hello everyone!

I'm in a bit of a dilemma... My bf has recently bought a flat, 95% of the money came from his parents, he doesn't have a mortgage and he took out a loan to cover the rest. The idea was that we'd move in together, but we haven't exactly discussed the details until now.

I was more then happy to share the bills and food costs with him from the get go, however he now wants to charge me rent as well, which would be half of my current rent. He calls this a non-specific contribution to the flat, this is not going to be a landlord tenant agreement. All this would be outlined in a living together agreement and he also wants me to sign a waiver saying I will have no claim on the property.

This ordeal has left a bitter taste for me, since I'd be contributing financially to the flat that isn't mine and I don't have the same protection a tenant does. I'm in a far more vulnerable position.

I would love to hear some advice and perspectives from anyone in a similar situation.

Also does anyone know if my bf is charging me rent is he legally obligated to pay tax on it? Would I be better off pushing for a landlord tenant agreement? I won't be renting a room from him, but sharing the bedroom.

Many thanks!

£200 is a peppercorn rent for London and yeah would be a way to show respect for being given a nice home to live in.
We don't know how teamy their relationship is.
Some of the things said like 'pushing for' a particular deal made me a bit sad as it doesnt seem compatable with trying to find common ground.

How much are you paying in rent each month Lilylo if not too personal?

julia The agreement is that DH and I will have a £1000 "housing budget" (that is what we can comfortably afford with our income), that will cover bills, council tax and service charge. Whatever will be left out of those £1000 every month after expenses will go to PILs as a sort of peppercorn rent.

I reckon after bills, service charge and council tax will be around £400/500 a month in actual rent, which means £200/250 each.

Thanks. So you're spending £500 a month. Seems like a good arrangement as you can comfortably afford it.

OP can surely comfortably afford it too as it's half her current rent so I really am aghast at any complaint.

Any chance you could answer some of Lilylo's 10 questions from last night, OP?