Cohabitation is when two people live together outside marriage or civil partnership. In Northern Ireland, the law does not recognise couples who live together as a legal partnership. As a result, it is advised that you sign a cohabitation agreement. A cohabitation agreement is a document which both parties must sign to clarify what will happen should they ever separate. This agreement will secure your rights in case of future separation.

In cohabitation, if a couple share a mortgage and then separate, both parties are liable to repay that joint mortgage. Regardless of separation or vacancy in the property. If debt is left unpaid both individuals will be jointly responsible and will equally face repercussions.