What could go wrong?

[whoopsnamechange]

I've been seeing a guy for a few months. We get on really well, lots of chemistry, he seems lovely and genuine.

He lives in a shared rental house where the contract ends in December.

I'm a single mum, with equity from my divorce. I am buying a house that needs work doing to it.

He has offered/asked to stay in my new house while work is being done, in return for doing some of the work himself (he's very practical and has lots of building and plumbing skills etc)

He hasn't met my kids yet.

One of my friends is advising me to be cautious as I'm a single mum with equity and therefore possibly vulnerable to predatory men or scammers etc.

What could go wrong with this arrangement and what do I need to do to protect myself?

Will you and kids be staying there at the same time

Did he know this option was available when you met and are you in serious relationship wiuld you say x

Not a bloody Chance OP...

Me and the kids are in a separate rental until the new house is ready

Could he have a claim on the property if he has done work on it? As in not invoiced?

@Gemini69 why not a chance? What could go wrong?

@C0untDucku1a I don't know, this is something I need to find out

Oh just realised what he is suggesting. He doesnt sound like a great catch

He didn't know this was available when we met, he knew I was looking at houses. I've told him I don't want to live with him or anyone.

I guess it's as serious as any relationship of a few months can be. We chat everyday and spend as much time together as we can

@C0untDucku1a why not? The property would otherwise be empty, he hasn't asked for it totally rent free but there may be no heating etc

Fucking hell. My, now, dp and I were friends with benefits when I moved into my house. He helped me decorate it, get furniture etc. He would never have asked to stay as payment for his help.

This seems like a really bad idea. He could claim you are a serious couple and that he has financial interest in the house.

No way OP

It's a no from me.

There may be no heating etc, I couldn't rent it to anyone else as it will be a building site. He's offered his help for free but he'll be able to do more if he's based there and it will be security so it's not empty

I wouldn't. Way too early on in the relationship, and you might find yourself with someone who promises all sorts and doesn't deliver.

Can people please explain why they are saying no? I can't think what the down side could be - apart from him gaining some sort of financial interest in the house - how do I find out if that's a possibility and how would I protect myself?

Jesus, op, you barely know this guy and he has the balls to ask to live in your new house? This is bizarre on so many levels and a MASSIVE red flag for me. You have no idea what this guy's true motivation is, and honestly, it doesn't sound like it could be good. Run a mile.

Don't let him into your house. Don't let him do any work unless it's properly documented - quotations, and evidence you paid for it. Certainly don't let him live there!

Protect yourself by keeping him a safe distance from your money, your assets and your children.

Because you don’t know the guy.

Cos it’s mixing business and pleasure.

Because he will start to feel like he has a stake in your new house, even if he doesn’t legally.

Because it’s moving things forward (ie he is kind of living with you) much quicker than you would otherwise do.

It’s a no from me too.

We have explained.

And what if he decides he isn't leaving, after paying rent, doing work and living there for a while.

It will take ages to get him out.

If you let him stay make sure your have proper legal documentation with terms and conditions. Because he could stay and refuse to leave if you have no contract it could become very very expensive and long drawn out legal action to remove him. If he's a nice genuine guy he'll happily sign something. Also check his credit rating if he has poor credit registers himself to your home it can have a negative effect on you. Also references in case he trashed somewhere or in unreliable in paying rent etc.
Long and the short - no!

You may not be able to get him out when them time comes!

You hardly know him, have you seen any evidence of his handy work?

No. For all the reasons above.

Take a step back and look at it.

You've known him a few month and he's asked to live in the house your going to buy.

As the previous posters have said, once he's done the work, will he ask to stay longer? He'll say he'll pay you this that.

If you refuse, he will lodgers rights. It's 6 month I think. It could take months and a fortune to have him evicted.

Use your head.

You dont want to live with him.
If he moves in, you have to get him out.
Just dont.

Did you only want replies that state "go for it, girl" ?