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What are my rights after ending a long-term cohabitation with a male friend?

What are my rights after ending a long-term cohabitation with a male friend?

Q: Can I inherit my boyfriend's house?

You can inherit your boyfriend's house if he has included you in his will or if the property is held in a way that allows for inheritance. If he dies without a will, state intestacy laws will determine who inherits the property, which may not include you unless you are legally married.

Q: Can I make my boyfriend move out of my house?

If your boyfriend is not on the lease or title, you can ask him to move out. However, if he has established residency or has rights as a tenant, you may need to follow legal eviction procedures, which vary by state.

Q: Should I pay rent if my boyfriend owns the house?

If your boyfriend owns the house, you may not be legally required to pay rent unless you have a rental agreement. However, contributing to household expenses can help maintain a fair arrangement. Discussing this with him can clarify expectations.

Full question:

I HAVE LIVED WITH A MALE FRIEND FOR 19 YEARS AND WE OWN A HOUSE AS TENNANTS IN COMMON. I HAVE DECIDED TO END THE RELATIONSHIP & MOVE OUT. WHAT AM I ENTITLED TO?

Category: Real Property
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Maryland

Answer:

As tenants in common, you and your male friend each own an undivided interest in the property. This means you both have equal rights to use the entire property, even if your ownership shares are unequal. If you decide to move out, you are entitled to your share of the property. There is no right of survivorship between tenants in common, meaning that if one of you passes away, the other does not automatically inherit the deceased's share. You can sell, mortgage, or will your interest in the property to someone else.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Do I have rights to my boyfriend's house?

Your rights to your boyfriend's house depend on how the property is owned. If he owns it solely in his name, you typically have no legal claim to it unless you have contributed to the mortgage or maintenance. However, if you are co-owners or have made significant contributions, you may have rights to a share of the property.