Relationship breakdowns during a tenancy

5 min read

The video below contains information about what to do when a relationship ends during a tenancy.

Relationship status and housing rights

Couples may be married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting. One or both people may be named on the tenancy agreement or housing licence.

Shelter has produced comprehensive guidance outlining their rights in these different circumstances:

• who has right to remain in the property
• who is responsible for paying rent
• how rent arrears are handled

Discretionary Housing Payments

You may be able to claim Discretionary Housing Payments if you are at risk of homelessness or in financial difficulty, if you’re receiving Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, but it is not covering the full cost of the rent. To make a claim on our discretionary payment page.

Child maintenance arrangement

A child maintenance arrangement is an arrangement between parents who do not live together. It helps cover the child’s living costs and can be either a mutual private arrangement or made through the Child Maintenance Service.

Apply for Council Tax single person discount/support

Single adults can apply for a 25% Single Person Discount off Council Tax. This must be cancelled If another adult moves in. For more information and to apply for/cancel a single person discount.

If you are on a low income, you may be eligible for Council Tax Reduction. Working age adults are eligible for up to a 65% reduction. Pension-age households are eligible for up to a 100% reduction.