Domestic Abuse and Social Housing: Could the New Bill Help Survivors Stay Safely at Home?

If you share a social tenancy with someone who has abused you, the Social Housing Bill could make it easier for the perpetrator to be removed without ending your housing security. However, the proposals are not yet law. As at 17 June 2026, the Bill is at committee stage in the House of Lords. The Government intends the social-rented-sector reforms to begin from October 2027, subject to parliamentary approval, Royal Assent and commencement.

Among households receiving a new social letting in England during 2024/25, approximately 15,000 said they had left their previous settled home because of domestic abuse. Around 3,700 had previously held a joint tenancy with their partner.

What the Bill Would Change

Current difficulty	Proposed protection
Existing possession grounds generally require the survivor to have left	A social landlord could act against the perpetrator while the survivor remains
Ending a joint tenancy can displace every tenant	In qualifying cases, the court would normally transfer the perpetrator’s interest to the remaining tenant or tenants
One joint tenant can end a periodic joint tenancy for everyone	A Notice to Quit from the alleged perpetrator would have no effect while relevant possession action is active
Staying may be unsafe	The court could make a possession order where suitable alternative social housing is available

The Bill would create a new absolute possession ground where a tenant is convicted of a specified domestic-abuse offence, or is found to have breached a qualifying protective order, after the provisions commence. It would also revise the existing discretionary grounds. The survivor’s views must be considered as far as possible.

The protection would not be automatic. The social landlord would need to begin possession action and the court would decide whether the statutory conditions were met.

Which Tenancies Are Covered?

The proposals concern social housing in England, including secure council tenancies and assured tenancies granted by social housing providers such as housing associations.

The Bill does not create the same process for private renters. The Renters’ Rights Act changes introduced on 1 May 2026 provide stronger general security, but not an equivalent social-housing tenancy-transfer mechanism. Private and social tenants may already have other options through occupation orders, tenancy-transfer proceedings, homelessness law or a landlord’s domestic-abuse policy. Related 2026 family law reforms should be considered separately.

What You Can Do Now

Do not wait for the Bill to become law before seeking help. Contact your council or housing association and ask about its domestic-abuse policy, management transfers, security measures and replacement tenancies. Get advice before serving or agreeing to a Notice to Quit, because ending a joint periodic tenancy can currently end it for everyone.

Our family law solicitors in Sheffield can advise on protective orders, separation and housing-related family proceedings. Where finances and children are affected, read about financial disclosure during divorce proceedings and child custody arrangements.

If your immigration permission depends on your relationship, leaving does not necessarily mean you have no route to remain. It is important to understand how the domestic abuse concession can affect your immigration options.

Eligible applicants may receive 3 months’ temporary permission and access to public funds while applying for settlement or another route. Our Sheffield partner visa services, UK partner visa solicitors and immigration solicitors in Sheffield can assess your position.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Tenancy Automatically Be Transferred to Me?

No. The landlord must take the relevant action and the court must be satisfied that the legal conditions are met.

Can an Abusive Joint Tenant Still End the Tenancy?

Under current law, a joint tenant may be able to end a periodic tenancy by serving notice. The Bill would restrict this once qualifying possession action is underway.

Does the Bill Cover Private Tenants?

No. Private renters should seek advice about occupation orders, tenancy transfers, homelessness assistance and their rights under current renting law.

Athi Law provides family law support for individuals dealing with domestic abuse, separation, housing and immigration concerns. Contact us for confidential advice.