Living Together? How It Affects Your Mortgage in Alberta

Written By Renee Huse

Renee Huse, founder of Spire Mortgage Team in Alberta, has helped hundreds of couples across Alberta navigate the emotional — and financial — transition of moving in together. Whether you’re welcoming someone into a home you already own or combining finances for the first time, your mortgage deserves just as much attention as your relationship.

Let’s break down how things really work when someone moves in, what it means for your mortgage and title, and why a cohabitation agreement can protect both your equity and your peace of mind.

What We’ll Cover:

What It Means for Your Mortgage When Someone Moves In

If your partner moves into a home you already own in Alberta, nothing legally changes unless you make it happen.

That means:

  • Your partner doesn’t automatically get legal ownership.
  • They aren’t responsible for your mortgage — unless added.
  • You’re still 100% on the hook for payments, regardless of household arrangements.

But here’s where it gets nuanced: the longer you live together, and the more your partner contributes — financially, emotionally, practically — the more assumptions and legal grey areas can start to form.

If there’s no agreement and they’re helping pay bills, fund upgrades, or support the household, a judge could view that as a financial interest in the property. That’s why we always recommend defining things up front.

Can You Add a Partner to Your Mortgage Without Refinancing?

Yes — and this surprises a lot of people.

In Alberta, you can add a partner to both your mortgage and title without refinancing. Here’s how it works:

  1. You and your partner submit an application to the lender.
  2. Your partner must qualify on their own merit (credit, income, debt ratios).
  3. If approved, the lender allows the title and mortgage to be updated.

Important note: When someone is added to a mortgage, they’re not just responsible for “half” the loan — they’re legally responsible for 100% of it. That’s joint and several liability. If one person can’t pay, the lender expects the other to cover it in full.

Ownership percentage, however, is a separate legal matter and is handled by your real estate lawyer. You could each own 50%, or structure a 60/40 or 75/25 split — but it must be documented.

Watch out for this common trap: If your partner is also putting money into the home — like making a lump sum payment to increase their equity share — and that amount exceeds your mortgage’s annual prepayment limit, you could trigger a penalty.

Spire Pro Tip: Many couples wait until mortgage renewal to make changes. At that point, the lender is already reviewing the loan, and it’s a strategic moment to talk through next steps — especially if renovations or shared financial goals are on the table. This is where your mortgage broker becomes your best ally.

Why a Cohabitation Agreement Matters (More Than You Think)

This document isn’t about pessimism — it’s about clarity.

A cohabitation agreement is a legal contract between partners who live together. It outlines:

  • Who owns what percentage of the home.
  • Who pays what — from mortgage payments to utilities.
  • What happens if one person wants to sell, move out, or the relationship ends.

Without it, Alberta’s Adult Interdependent Relationships (AIR) laws or Matrimonial Property Act can step in — and they often don’t reflect your original intentions.

It protects:

  • Any down payment made by just one partner.
  • Unequal ownership splits.
  • Future contributions and how they impact equity.

Alberta Case Study: When Things Don’t Go as Planned

Amanda from Edmonton bought a townhouse on her own for $370,000. She put down $80,000 and locked into a 5-year insured mortgage at 3.99%. Two years later, her partner Kyle moved in. They shared costs — Amanda paid the mortgage, Kyle covered utilities and food.

They didn’t change the title or the mortgage. But Amanda did have a cohabitation agreement — and that’s what saved her.

When the relationship ended, Kyle claimed he had a stake in the property. But the agreement clearly stated:

  • Amanda was sole owner.
  • Kyle’s contributions were rent.
  • No equity sharing unless mutually agreed and documented.

Result: Amanda kept her equity. Kyle moved out. No court battles, no surprises.

Takeaway: Legal clarity = financial protection.

How to Prepare Financially Before Your Partner Moves In

  • Review your mortgage: Understand your current rate, penalties, and prepayment privileges.
  • Know your title structure: Who’s on it — and how much they own.
  • Set clear budget expectations: Is your partner contributing as a co-owner or as a tenant?
  • Update wills and beneficiaries: Life changes = legal updates.
  • Draft a cohabitation agreement: It’s worth the upfront effort.
  • Talk to a mortgage expert: Whether you’re adding a partner now or at renewal, we’ll help you plan the smart way.

What Makes a Couple Common Law in Alberta?

In Alberta, you’re legally considered common law (also known as an Adult Interdependent Relationship) if:

  • You’ve lived together for 3+ years, OR
  • You share a child, OR
  • You’ve signed an AIR agreement.

This matters because once you’re considered common law, your partner may gain legal rights to property — even if they’re not on the mortgage or title.

Glossary of Key Terms

  • Cohabitation Agreement: A legal contract outlining rights and financial responsibilities between partners living together.
  • Refinancing: Replacing your current mortgage with a new one (not required to add a partner).
  • Prepayment Privilege: The amount you’re allowed to pay toward your mortgage each year without penalty.
  • Joint and Several Liability: Each person on a mortgage is responsible for the full amount of the loan.
  • Title: The legal record of who owns the home. Separate from the mortgage.
  • Adult Interdependent Relationship (AIR): Alberta’s legal term for a common law relationship.
  • Ownership Split: The percentage each person owns, often defined by lawyers in purchase or cohabitation agreements.

FAQs About Mortgages and Living Together in Alberta

This section will include FAQ schema on final export.

  • Can I add my partner to the mortgage without refinancing?
    Yes. Your lender can approve a title and mortgage update without triggering a full refinance.
  • Does my partner automatically own part of the house after moving in?
    No. Legal ownership only changes if the title is updated through a lawyer.
  • What if my partner puts money toward the mortgage?
    That could change the equity conversation. Make sure it's documented — and check if you're within your prepayment limit.
  • Should we wait until mortgage renewal to make changes?
    Often, yes. It’s a smart time to reassess goals, ownership structure, and rates.
  • Can we own the home in unequal shares?
    Yes. Use a “tenants in common” setup and define the percentages legally.

Give us a call or fill out an application at this link: https://spiremortgage.ca/apply-now and our team will get in touch to help you build a plan that works for both your relationship and your long-term real estate goals.

Written by Renee Huse, licensed mortgage broker and founder of Spire Mortgage. Renee helps Albertans make confident real estate decisions with smart financing strategies tailored to their goals. Learn more about Renee here.

Renee Huse
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