Law of Property Act 1925: Primary legislation governing property ownership and interests in England and Wales. Defines legal and beneficial ownership and establishes methods of holding property (joint tenants or tenants in common).
Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996: Known as TOLATA, this Act governs disputes between co-owners, defines rights and duties of trustees, and provides the framework for court intervention in property disputes.
Family Law Act 1996: Legislation covering occupation rights, protection against eviction, and provisions regarding domestic violence, relevant for cohabiting couples.
Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1970: Addresses contributions to property purchase and recognition of financial contributions between unmarried couples.
Cohabitation Rights: Legal principle establishing that unmarried couples have no automatic rights (unlike married couples) and must explicitly state intentions regarding ownership and contributions.
Contract Law Principles: Fundamental legal principles including consideration, intention to create legal relations, and capacity to contract that must be considered in property agreements.
Civil Partnership Act 2004: Legislation that becomes relevant if parties later enter into civil partnership, affecting property rights and obligations.
Human Rights Act 1998: Establishes fundamental rights including the right to respect for home and family life, and property rights that must be considered in property agreements.
