My boyfriend, 69, moved in. He refuses to pay more than $1,300 in rent an...

The Moneyist

‘It’s clear that he seems to think that if I die, that he should inherit the house. That is NOT my plan.’

Published: Sept. 13, 2025 at 7:08 a.m. ET

Dear Quentin,

I bought my current home in early 2010. Originally, my boyfriend and I were supposed to go 50/50 on the purchase, but he couldn’t sell his old home in time, so everything (deed, mortgage, insurance etc.) is in my name. He did not contribute to the down payment. After we moved into the home, he was offered an early retirement package, which he took, saying he would just take a couple months off and then look for a new position. (He was earning $80,000 a year as a Java programmer). 

He agreed to pay a “fair share” in rent and to be responsible for the yardwork and seasonal tasks. Since his retirement income ($11,000 a year) was significantly less than his working income, that amount was originally $900 a month and, when he eventually went back to work, it was supposed to be increased. We share a bedroom. I pay the bills. He pays for his own personal expenses. I am aware that he is now collecting Social Security benefits, plus his pension.