New housing protections for domestic abuse survivors

New protections have been tabled by the government with the aim of protecting housing rights for domestic abuse survivors.

Included in the Social Housing Bill, this measure aims to prevent domestic abuse survivors from having to flee.

This will help them keep their tenancy and remain at home while the perpetrator is made to leave.

The proposals aim to protect joint tenancies from abusive partners, helping end the choice between staying in danger and losing a home and support network.

Council tenants will also get stronger support to take charge of repairs, maintenance and communal services through a simpler Right to Manage, giving residents a clearer route to demand better when services fail.

“No survivor should have to choose between staying with their abuser or losing their home, community and support network. We are changing the law so the perpetrator, not the survivor, can be made to leave,” said housing secretary Angela Rayner.

“Abusers will no longer be able to use a shared home as a weapon of control.

“Survivors will get the certainty of knowing their tenancy and their social home are protected.”