I’ll try to keep this as simple as possible. I have a house that’s empty, been empty for a while (second home that I haven’t used much). It’s condition is ‘unloved’ and needs modernising, but it’s functional with some attention. I was going to sell it but my nephews relationship has broken down and he needs accommodation. I have offered him use of my house to allow him to sell the shared property he owns, recover his finances and ensure he can stay on his feet after a pretty bad year so far.

When discussing this I have agreed that he can make some changes to make it comfortable for him. We have agreed that he won’t pay me rent and anything he spends will be in lieu of a rent. I don’t expect him to refurbish or renovate, or spend big, just to make himself comfortable. He has sent me his ‘to do’ list and it includes some big things like a replacement kitchen and other non-cosmetic changes. I do not disagree the things noted need doing to improve the place, but given the arrangement I want to ensure that anything done is with my agreement. I don’t intend this to be a landlord/tenant arrangement but at the same time I would like to have a tenancy agreement in place but I am worried about the implications of doing so.

So my question and advice needed is how should I proceed? I want to ensure changes are made with my permission only, that I am not making myself liable to costs and that should the arrangement become un beneficial to me, I can ask him to leave with reasonable notice.

I’m doing this as a favour to help a young family member, I don’t want it to be forever and I don’t want to come across as being authoritative but it’s a property and it’s mine, so I don’t want the situation coming back to bite me. Any advice please? Thanks!

Edit: The house is in London (UK)