Living together

This content applies to Scotland only.

Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. This page applies to Scotland only. Get advice relating to England

Your rights if you move in with a partner will depend on whether you rent or own your home and whether you are married or in a civil partnership. Many people believe that if they live together, they have the same rights as a married couple. This is not the case. There's no such thing as common law marriage in Scotland and you will have fewer rights if you just live together than you would do if you were married or in a civil partnership.

Moving in together

Moving in with a partner is a big step. This page looks at things you need to think about before taking the plunge. At this stage, you won't want to think about what will happen if things go wrong and you split up, but it's important to know your rights and be prepared. Read more 

Rights if you rent together

If you are moving into rented accommodation with your partner, your rights will differ depending on whose name is on the tenancy agreement. If you are married or in a civil partnership, you will have stronger rights, even if your name isn't on the tenancy agreement. This page explains what your rights are and what you can do to strengthen them. Read more 

Rights if you or your partner own the home

If you and/or your spouse or partner own your home, your rights will vary depending on whose name is on the title deeds and whether or not you are married. These factors affect who is responsible for the mortgage and other household expenses, what happens if either of you want to sell the home, if your relationship breaks down or one of you dies. Read more 

Civil partnerships

Since 5 December 2005, same sex partners can register a civil partnership. This legal relationship gives same sex couples in a civil partnership similar rights to opposite sex couples who are married. This page looks at housing rights for civil partners. Read more