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Renovation instead of rent?

Dear Wendyl, I recently got kicked out of my flat – I didn’t do anything bad, my landlord just decided to sell it

Dear Wendyl,

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I recently got kicked out of my flat – I didn’t do anything bad, my landlord just decided to sell it – so my best friend suggested I move into the unit she had just bought. We have been getting along fine, but she needs to do some work

on the unit – fixing up the kitchen and stuff like that.

She has suggested, instead of paying rent, I fund those renovations as she doesn’t have the savings to pay for them. It seems like a good idea, but another friend suggested it could get nasty later on, since I would be essentially investing in her house. What do you think?

Sylvia, by email

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Dear Sylvia,

It will only get nasty if you insist on claiming some ownership of the property. If you don’t, then it would be a great way to help a friend out who doesn’t have any cash flow. I suggest you both go to your local Citizens Advice Bureau and get a lawyer to draw up a simple agreement protecting her and you from any issues that might occur in the future.

Send your questions to [email protected] or write to Agony Aunt, NZWW, PO Box 90119, Victoria St West, Auckland 1142

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