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Cohabitation Agreement Template UK

A Cohabitation Agreement defines the financial and living arrangements between unmarried partners living together. It can outline how to handle expenses, property ownership, and responsibilities during the relationship or in the event of separation. This can help prevent future legal issues.

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What is a Cohabitation Agreement?When should you use a Cohabitation Agreement?Cohabitation Agreement free sampleWhat to include in a Cohabitation AgreementCohabitation Agreement FAQs

What is a Cohabitation Agreement?

A Cohabitation Agreement is a legal document created by two people who live together but are not married. It sets out each partner's rights and responsibilities regarding shared property and household expenses.

Sometimes called a living together agreement, these documents are especially useful because unmarried couples do not have the same legal protections as married ones. You may have limited cohabitation rights in the United Kingdom without a written contract.

The document can cover:

  • Property ownership
  • Contributions to rent or mortgage
  • Personal and joint bank accounts
  • Asset division
  • Care for children

You can use our free Cohabitation Agreement template to help you build a contract tailored to your relationship in the United Kingdom.

When should you use a Cohabitation Agreement?

A Cohabitation Agreement can be useful in many situations where couples want to protect their interests and avoid disputes, such as:

When moving in with another person

When you begin sharing a home with a partner, friend, or another individual, a Cohabitation Agreement can set out how expenses are divided and clarify each person’s share of ownership.

When you are a long-term unmarried couple

A Cohabitation Agreement for unmarried partners is especially important in the UK, where “common law marriage” is not legally recognised. Even long-term couples have limited rights without a written agreement.

A nonmarital Cohabitation Agreement helps reduce the risk of disputes if the relationship ends.

When one partner owns the property

Clarify whether the non-owning partner has any cohabiting rights to the property or is simply contributing to bills.

When sharing financial responsibilities

Use the agreement to set expectations around rent, utilities, and groceries, utilities, and groceries, especially if contributions aren't equal.

When buying assets together

If you’re making joint purchases like a car or furniture, this agreement defines how they will be owned and divided if you separate.

When children are involved

If you are sharing a home with your partner and have children, outlining childcare costs, custody arrangements, and how future decisions will be made in your Cohabitation Agreement checklist is a great way to help prevent misunderstandings in the future.

Cohabitation Agreement free sample

A sample Co-Habitation Agreement can help you decide what sections are relevant to your situation.

By looking at a Cohabitation Agreement example, you can get a better idea of the formal language used and how to structure your own version.

uk-cohabitation-agreement-sample
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PDFWORD

What to include in a Cohabitation Agreement

Below is a list of the information and clauses generally included in a Cohabitation Agreement. You can also use our Cohabitation Agreement template as a guide when drafting your document.

It can help you cover all essential areas while tailoring the document to your specific circumstances in the United Kingdom.

  1. Define property arrangements: Specify the address, type of ownership, and contributions to rent or mortgage. Specify if payments are gifts or entitle the non-owner to a beneficial interest under TOLATA.
  2. Outline financial responsibilities: Detail how utilities, council tax, and general expenses will be split. Clarify that each partner remains responsible for their own debts and whether large payments are gifts or loans.
  3. Include ownership of assets: State who owns pre-cohabitation assets and how jointly acquired items will be divided (equally or proportionally).
  4. Set financial arrangements: Indicate whether bank accounts are joint or separate. Define contribution amounts and how to split balances in case of separation.
  5. Plan for separation: Set rules for who stays in the property, financial support obligations, and the process for resolving disputes (mediation or court).
  6. Determine custody and support of children (if applicable): Include terms for shared custody, visitation, financial support, and dispute resolution under the Children Act 1989.
  7. Cover wills, inheritance, and legal framework: Confirm the intentions for property and assets, update wills (in accordance with the Wills Act 1837), state which UK legal system applies, and agree to try mediation before legal action.
  8. Include amendments: Explain that changes must be made in writing and signed by both parties.
  9. Finalise with signatures: Include full names, signatures, and witness details to validate the document. Your own version of the document should be tailored to your situation.

Then, after you create your document, have a legal expert take a look at it before you sign it to make sure it’s ready to be put into effect.

Also, after you draft your Cohabitation Agreement, you can run it through our free AI legal document reviewer tool if you need to find any specific term or clause at any time.

Cohabitation Agreement FAQs

No, it’s not legally required, but it’s strongly recommended. Without a written Cohabitation Agreement, you risk legal uncertainty. You can think of it as a “living-together agreement”. It covers many issues that could arise when you start living with someone.

For example, if you separate, proving ownership or financial contributions can be difficult. This document protects both partners and avoids misunderstandings.

Yes, Cohabitation Agreements are legally binding if properly drafted and signed. To improve enforceability, both parties should seek independent legal advice. Courts generally uphold these living together agreements unless they are unfair or made under pressure.

Yes. You can update or cancel a Cohabitation Agreement at any time, as long as both partners agree. Any changes must be made in writing and signed. This flexibility allows the agreement to reflect changes in your relationship, finances, or living arrangements.

Use a clear, structured Cohabitation Agreement to protect your rights. A small effort now can prevent major legal problems later.

In the UK, cohabitation is not legally recognised in the same way as marriage or civil partnership. This means couples who are living together do not automatically have financial or legal rights to each other’s property or assets.

That being said, you still have some UK cohabitation rights, which allow you to make agreements that outline property ownership, finances, and parental responsibilities. Without having such agreements in place, your rights are limited to what you individually own or contribute to.

Yes, you can create a Cohabitation Agreement online in the UK. Using our template, you simply enter the details of your living arrangement, finances, and responsibilities.

Once completed, you’ll receive a finished agreement instantly. Both parties can then review and sign the document.

Preview of your Cohabitation Agreement

COHABITATION AGREEMENT
THIS COHABITATION AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made and entered into on this ________ day of ________________, ________.

BETWEEN:
_________

of _________

- AND -

_________

of _________
BACKGROUND

A. This Agreement is entered into by _________ and _________ (referred to collectively as the "Parties" and individually as a "Party"), both currently residing in a non-marital cohabitation arrangement, without any present intention to marry.
B. The Parties commenced or are expected to commence their non-marital cohabitation around the ________ day of ________________, ________.
C. The Parties wish to enter into this Agreement to establish guidelines for the status, ownership, and division of property between them. This includes any future property owned or to be acquired by either or both of them.
D. The Parties also seek to define their respective rights and liabilities arising from this relationship.
E. The Parties acknowledge that disagreements may arise between them. They therefore agree that the division of any property owned by either or both of them shall be governed by this Agreement and, to the extent permitted by statute or case law, intend to exclude the application of any relevant statutory provisions.
F. Each Party has instructed their own solicitor and received independent legal advice regarding the terms of this Agreement.
G. The Parties confirm that neither is acting under duress or undue influence from the other and that they are entering into this Agreement voluntarily.
H. The Parties have satisfactorily disclosed to each other all assets and liabilities that each party may have.
NOW THEREFORE, in anticipation of the forthcoming cohabitation and in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants outlined in this Agreement, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
OWNERSHIP OF PROPERTY

1) The Parties agree that this Agreement will determine the ownership of the property upon the death of a party or if the Parties separate.
2) All jointly acquired property, will be treated as shared property (the "Shared Property") and remain the property of both Parties.
3) Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, all property will be treated as owned exclusively by either one of the Parties (the "Separate Ownership"), except where:

a. It is Joint Ownership; or
b. There is proof of joint legal ownership.
4) Nothing contained in this Agreement shall preclude the Parties from making gifts to the other during their lifetime, at their death, or for benefit of the other party.
5) Unless a Party can reasonably show that they exclusively own a piece of property, where either Party commingles jointly owned property with Separate Ownership, any commingled property will be presumed to be Joint Ownership.
DEBTS

6) The Parties acknowledge that this Agreement shall determine the responsibility of any debt that may occur upon the death of a party or if the Parties separate.
7) All debts jointly acquired, whenever acquired, will be treated as joint debts (the "Joint Debts") shall be the joint and several responsibility of both Parties.
8) Except as stated elsewhere in this Agreement, all debts shall be considered the sole responsibility of the Party who incurred them (the "Separate Debts"), except where:

a. If there is a Joint Debt and is subject to joint and several responsibility; or
b. If there is proof of joint legal liability between the Parties.
MAINTENANCE
9) The Parties mutually agree that any investment of time or labour in relation to each other’s property, or otherwise, shall be deemed a gratuitous contribution unless a written agreement states otherwise.
10) The Parties confirm their intention to permanently release one another from any present or future claims for maintenance, regardless of any change in circumstances. They agree not to seek maintenance under any current or future legislation and waive any right to pursue such claims, relying instead on the terms of this Agreement as governed by contract law.
11) The Parties acknowledge that their financial circumstances may change in the future due to factors such as health, cost of living, employment, marital status, relationship breakdown, or other reasons. However, no such changes shall entitle either Party to claim support under any legislation. Each Party understands that this Agreement represents a final and binding resolution of all maintenance matters between them.
ESTATES AND WILL ARRANGEMENTS
12) This Agreement shall not limit or affect any rights that each Party may acquire as a cohabitant concerning the property, assets, or estate of the other cohabitant.
13) This Agreement does not prohibit either Party from designating the other as a beneficiary through a will or any other testamentary disposition.
SEVERABILITY

14) Suppose any term or provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction. In that case, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other term or provision of this Agreement or invalidate or render unenforceable such term or provision in any other jurisdiction. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the Parties agree that the specific portion shall be considered amended, reduced in scope, or otherwise stricken only to the extent necessary for the Agreement's continued validity and enforceability in the jurisdiction of such determination.
INTENTION OF THE PARTIES

15) Notwithstanding that the Parties acknowledge and agree that their circumstances at the execution of this Agreement may change for many reasons, including, without limitation, the passage of time, it is their unequivocal intention to steadfastly adhere to the terms of this Agreement under all circumstances.
DUTY OF GOOD FAITH

16) This Agreement creates a fiduciary relationship between the Parties in which each Party agrees to act with the utmost of good faith and fair dealing toward the other in all aspects of this Agreement.
FURTHER DOCUMENTATION

17) The Parties mutually agree to provide and execute any additional documentation as reasonably necessary to give full force and effect to each provision within this Agreement.
TITLE/HEADINGS

18) The headings in this Agreement do not form part of its terms and are included for convenience only.
ENUREMENT

19) This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns.
GOVERNING LAW

20) This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England excluding any rules relating to conflicts of law.
TERMINATION OR AMENDMENT

21) This Agreement may only be terminated or amended through written consent by both Parties, with their signatures affixed.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Parties have executed this Cohabitation Agreement on the ________ day of ________________, ________.

SIGNED as a DEED by _________
In the presence of:


_____________________________
Witness Signature
Printed Name: _________________


_____________________________
Witness Signature
Printed Name: _________________		_____________________________
_________
SIGNED as a DEED by _________
In the presence of:


_____________________________
Witness Signature
Printed Name: _________________


_____________________________
Witness Signature
Printed Name: _________________		_____________________________
_________
CERTIFICATE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL ADVICE

England
County of _________________

I, _________________________, of the City of ___________________, England, Barrister and Solicitor, DO HEREBY CERTIFY:

THAT I was this day consulted in my professional capacity by _________, named in the within instrument, being a Cohabitation Agreement, separate and apart from _________, as to _________'s legal rights and liabilities under the terms and conditions of it, and that I acted solely for _________, and explained fully to _________ the nature and effect of the said Cohabitation Agreement and _________ did execute it in my presence, and did acknowledge and declare that _________ was executing it of _________'s own volition and without any fear, threats, compulsion or influence from _________, or any other person.

DATED at the City of ___________________, England, this _____ day of _________, 20___.

________________________
BARRISTER & SOLICITOR
Print Name: _________________

I, _________, the person named in the annexed Agreement, hereby acknowledges the foregoing this ____day of ______________20___.

________________________
_________
CERTIFICATE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL ADVICE

England
County of _________________

I, _________________________, of the City of ___________________, England, Barrister and Solicitor, DO HEREBY CERTIFY:

THAT I was this day consulted in my professional capacity by _________, named in the within instrument, being a Cohabitation Agreement, separate and apart from _________, as to _________'s legal rights and liabilities under the terms and conditions of it, and that I acted solely for _________, and explained fully to _________ the nature and effect of the said Cohabitation Agreement and _________ did execute it in my presence, and did acknowledge and declare that _________ was executing it of _________'s own volition and without any fear, threats, compulsion or influence from _________, or any other person.

DATED at the City of ___________________, England, this _____ day of _________, 20___.

________________________
BARRISTER & SOLICITOR
Print Name: _________________

I, _________, the person named in the annexed Agreement, hereby acknowledges the foregoing this ____day of ______________20___.

________________________
_________
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