Should I have my live in girlfriend sign a lease?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Should I have my live in girlfriend sign a lease?

I just moved in to a new home I purchased and my girlfriend will be moving in with me. She will be paying half the mortgage and utilities as rent. Should I make her sign a lease? She is not particularly warm to the idea of signing one, however I’m concerned about what rights she may have if we were to ever break up. My name is the only name on the mortgage and the deed, but if she doesn’t sign a lease will she have a claim to the property in the event of a break up? Or will she be treated just as a tenant who can be evicted through normal procedures?

Asked on June 21, 2011 under Real Estate Law, North Carolina

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

She will more than likely be treated as a tenant if you don't have her sign a lease. However, if she signs one she will definitely establish a tenant and not ownership position relative to the house. The aprties intentions will be clear. Without a lease she could try to make some sort of equity claim later down the line sshould you break up. Even if she didn't win a lawsuit she could still file one. And you would have all of the expenses and headaches that that entails. Your instincts are correct here. Better to be safe than sorry.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption