Cohabiting - what should I pay?

[trippingup]

Just wondered your opinion really... I'm moving in with my partner and am wondering what I should pay towards house/bills.
He owns the house (well has a mortgage), I'm currently renting in a shared house. He has 2 DC who stay 3 nights a week. I will sign a legal agreement to say I can't claim any money/house if we should ever break up - therefore I plan to keep saving for my own house should I one day need it. Should I just pay bills - if so what cut? 50/50 or not because of kids? Should I just buy food? Should I pay rent as such... perhaps what I used to pay to rent a room in a shared house? Should I pay nothing? Should I sign the agreement - I'm happy to, just after option. Thanks

Don’t bring the kids into your share. If you think you should pay less because his kids stay a couple of nights a week then you’re not ready for a relationship with someone who has them. Not having a go just being honest!

As you’re Signing a document waiving any rights to the house I’d say half of all bills and food shopping is fair.

Stick what you save on rent into a savings account so you have some security if you ever break up, for your own place.

@19lottie82 Thanks for being so honest. It's a very good point!

Also may be worth mentioning that he works from home so a portion of the bills are paid for by his company.

Pay 50/50 and personally I'd pay rent

Just saw the contract bit, no rent

I don't know if my approach is wholly fair, but I believe it's quite rational.

On the basis that the mortgage is £1000 pm and bills, food, and general living expenses are £400 (for easy maths).

I'd expect to pay a nominal fee towards mortgage, less than you'd pay to rent elsewhere so enough to allow you to save, maybe £250.

I'd expect to pay 50/50 bills.

Depending on the age of the kids, I'd expect to pay 50/50 food (not if they're teens. If they eat like adults, I'd expect to pay 30/70.

But really - I would discuss this openly and without judgement/defensiveness with my partner. What does he think is fair. If it's truly a fair solution, both of you should be happy with it.

Oh I should add - this is also dependent on your respective income - if you don't earn a similar amount, you should account for this in the living expenses and food sums.

I'd suggest 30/70 because he should be paying his share for himself and two children. But ultimately you guys need to sit and chat about it and negotiate.
Personally I think 50/50 is too high, because it's his mortgage, he gets a house at the end of it. He's not the only one living there he's responsible for keeping financially and providing for - his kids are too.

Thanks for feedback. Our incomes are different. He earns double what I earn... but then he has more outgoings with child maintenance.

We have talked about it and he is going to have a think and come up with a figure... so will keep you posted!

Consider his income as his take-home pay post tax and maintenance, and consider yours post tax.

If he earns £3,000 after tax and maintenance and you earn £2,000 (for the sake of easy maths).

Then I'd expect:

You pay £250 towards property (he pays £750)
You pay £100 towards bills (he pays £150)
You pay £100 towards food (he pays £250)

Or thereabouts.

@AnonEvent great idea thank you.