Quit Buying Houses for Your Girlfriend or Boyfriend: The Legal Risks of Playing House in San Antonio

Love can make us do big things — like buy a house together. But here’s the truth: real estate is a long-term legal commitment, and relationships aren’t always built to last. If you’re thinking about buying a home with or for your boyfriend or girlfriend in San Antonio, it's time to slow down and consider the legal risks.

At Walter Law, PLLC, we see the fallout when breakups get tangled in property ownership — and trust us, it’s rarely clean or fair.

Buying Property in a Relationship Isn’t the Same as Being Married

In Texas, unmarried couples don’t have the same legal protections as spouses. There's no community property, no automatic rights, and no court-ordered property division. That means if things go south, the law doesn’t step in to help divide your real estate fairly — even if one person paid more, lived there longer, or made verbal promises.

Real Legal Risks When You Buy a Home With a Boyfriend or Girlfriend:

1. No Clear Ownership = Big Legal Fights

Unless both names are on the deed and financing documents, one person could end up with full legal ownership — while the other is left with nothing, even if they contributed financially.

2. “Gifts” Are Legally Final

Buying a home for someone and putting it in their name? That’s a legal gift. You can't take it back later, even if the relationship ends. In Texas, gifts are binding.

3. Shared Mortgages Don’t Just Disappear

If you co-sign a mortgage and your relationship ends, you're still legally responsible — even if you move out. Missed payments can destroy your credit and limit your ability to buy a future home.

4. Verbal Agreements Won’t Hold Up

“He promised to put me on the deed.” “She said we’d sell and split it if we broke up.” Unless those promises are in writing and legally enforceable, they may not hold up in court.

5. Eviction Gets Personal — and Messy

If only one person is on the deed, the other may have no right to stay in the home after a breakup. That leads to personal and legal drama — fast.

Bottom Line: Don’t Make Permanent Decisions in Temporary Relationships

We’re not saying don’t fall in love. We’re saying protect yourself legally, especially in a high-stakes real estate market like San Antonio. If your relationship isn’t permanent, your property decisions shouldn’t be either.

How to Protect Yourself in San Antonio

If you must buy property while dating, consider:

• A cohabitation agreement (like a prenup for property)

• Holding title as tenants in common, with clear percentages

• Putting all contributions, repairs, and responsibilities in writing

• Consulting a real estate attorney before you close

  
  

Serving San Antonio & Bexar County

At Walter Law, PLLC, we’ve helped countless clients in San Antonio avoid (or clean up) real estate disasters caused by romantic entanglements. Whether you're already in a sticky situation or want to plan ahead, we offer practical legal advice that puts your financial security first.

Contact us today at 210-909-0123 to schedule a consultation.

Protect your home. Protect your future. Love smart — and lawyer up.

Helpful Resources:

Texas-specific law & consumer resources

• Texas State Law Library – Community Property (background on Texas property rules): Texas State Law Library Guides

• Texas State Law Library – Common-law marriage (when an unmarried couple might actually be married): Texas State Law Library Guides

• Texas Real Estate Commission – Consumer guide: Texas State Library

• TREC – Home buyer & consumer resources hub: Texas State Library

• TREC – Consumer Protection Notice (rights/obligations with licensees): Texas State Library

Practical guidance for unmarried co-owners

• Nolo – Contract for equal ownership of a house by an unmarried couple: Nolo

• Nolo – Who gets the house when an unmarried couple splits up?: Nolo

• Nolo – Property issues for unmarried couples (overview): Nolo

Ownership structures & risks

• Investopedia – What is joint tenancy (overview): Investopedia

• Investopedia – Joint tenancy: benefits and pitfalls: Investopedia

Agreements to reduce risk

• American Bar Association (Family Advocate) – Cohabitation & premarital agreements (why/what to include): American Bar Association

San Antonio / local records

• Bexar County – Real property / land records (official search & recording info): Bexar County

• Bexar County Clerk – Office & services: Bexar County

Public-education resources (Texas)

• Texas Young Lawyers Association – Resources for the general public: TYLA