Spouse visa extension questions

[asneakyturtle]

Greetings everyone,

First time poster and I want to say I hope everyone stay safe in these unprecedented times. I am thinking about preparations for my spouse’s extension on the 5 year route.

My spouse’s BRP card expires in about a year from now and would like to ask some questions to those who have experience.

1. During the time, me and my spouse opened a joint account but haven’t put anything in. We both work in my family’s business so we get paid into our separate accounts. I am thinking of closing the account or should we start to put our wages in the joint account?

2. I have a property under my name that was bought back in 2018 with the aid of help to buy. We haven’t been living there at all and I’ve been paying empty property tax until just last month when I’ve rented it out to a tenant. We haven’t been living at my property because of work and it’ll be too inconvenient for me to travel.

I read some people have utility bills under both names but because the property is under my name and we haven’t been living there, will it matter? We are both living in the same property as my parents and they own the property so utility bills will be under their name.

We have photos such as special occasions from our wedding to my brothers graduation. Will those be enough for relationship requirement?

3. I am also worried about our financial situation. We are working in a small family business and both me and my spouse are being furloughed. My wages before furlough and before tax was exactly £18,600, no more no less. It’s this amount due to business not performing as well so I suggested to take a pay cut from £22,000 before tax about a year ago. My wife just works part time so I want to ask can we combine our income together?

I just rented out my house and started receiving rent this month. I understand that I have to rent for 12 months before that income becomes valid. I also want to ask because I work for my parents, will I have to provide 6 months or 12 months payslip and bank statements?

Sorry I know it’s complicated and a lot of questions but I hope someone can help me and greatly appreciated.