Dear Quentin, My boyfriend and I come from completely different backgrounds. I am in my mid-30s and he is 40. We both own our own homes, and had a life built prior to meeting. We have now been together for five years and we have lived only at my house for the last 2.5 years.
Here’s the rub: My boyfriend feels that he should not have to pay me anything for living in my house as he owns his own house, and he is not ready to rent it out yet. He also feels that because I have two kids at home he should not be responsible for any bills at my house. He is using my utilities, my supplies (cleaning, toilet paper, etc.) and putting wear and tear on my house by staying here 24/7. He is not interested in purchasing anything together when things break or need to be replaced because, as he reminds me, it is not his house. Should he be paying me at least some amount for solely living in my house? Should we keep everything separate given that he has his own place that he is paying for, but not residing in? What do you think of his inflexible stance on our financia …