What will happen to your tenancy if your relationship breaks down?

If this happens, both of you will need to decide what will happen to your tenancy.  You and your partner may have separate legal rights to the family home under the Family Law Act. For further advice please contact us|. 

If you are married or in a civil partnership - You may both have separate rights to the tenancy or to remain in the home.  The law is quite complex and it is important that you both seek independent advice about your rights. For help finding a solicitor visit the Law Society| website. 

If you are the tenant, do not give up your tenancy without taking advice first.  Your partner can only make you leave your home if they get a court order, whether or not you have a joint tenancy.  The court will look at all your and your partner’s circumstances including the arrangements for any children. For further advice please contact us|.

If you are not married or in a civil partnership - The law is different and you do not have an automatic right to stay in the home unless you are a tenant.  If this happens, you can ask the court to give you ‘occupancy rights’ while things are sorted out.  The court will want to know how long you and your partner have been together.  They will also want to know whether you have any children and any other information they think is relevant. For further advice please contact us.| 

We strongly advise you not to give up your tenancy without first getting some independent advice.  We may not be able to give you the tenancy of another home.  

If you have been subject to domestic abuse please contact us. We can, together with partner organisations, offer support and practical help. For further information visit our domestic abuse| web page or contact us|. 

If you become homeless and seek help from the Council, they will give you advice and in certain circumstances help you find a home in the private sector.  You can apply to put your name on the Housing Register.  If the Council accept your application, you will have to wait your turn for a new home, as they cannot give you priority. For further information visit the City Council's homelessness| webpages or contact us|.