Staying with friends, family or an ex-partner

There can be certain challenges living with family, friends or a partner you have separated with. There are many things to consider, and the different options will depend on your circumstances.

• Relationship breakdown with partner
• Joint tenants and owners
• Being asked to leave by friends or family

Relationship breakdown with partner

Relationship breakdowns can be difficult and the effect this has on your housing will vary, as well as your rights. There are several factors to take into consideration. In some cases, you may need to seek legal advice.

Domestic abuse is not the same as breaking up with your partner. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, support is available. For more information, visit housing guidance. Always call 999 in an emergency.

Joint tenants and owners

Jointly owning a property, or having a joint tenancy with your partner, will mean that you both have equal rights in terms occupation. You have a legal right to live in the property. You and your partner will be jointly responsible for paying the rent or the mortgage.

You can apply to the court to become sole owner or sole tenant. However you will need to seek legal advice in order to pursue this. In some cases, a tenancy agreement cannot be transferred to another a sole person without the consent of the landlord. You should also consider if you can afford the rent or the mortgage.

Shelter has produced a guide for people who have experienced a relationship breakdown (opens new window) and what their housing rights are after splitting up.

If you apply to us for housing assistance because you are homeless through relationship breakdown, we may not necessarily be legally obliged to provide you with any accommodation. However, we have a duty to assess the circumstances of your homelessness, identify your housing and support needs and work with you to prevent your homelessness or support you find somewhere to live.

We will provide you with a plan which will explain where we can assist and what you can do to help yourself to resolve your housing situation.

Being asked to leave by friends or family

Being asked to leave a home by friends or family is one of the leading causes of homelessness in England. This can an upsetting and stressful time for everyone involved.

If you approach the council for help, we will want to understand the reason you have been asked to leave (if there is a reason). The Housing Advice team will look to prevent your homelessness by working with your family or friend to keep you in the home, if it is safe to do so.

The council may suggest mediation between you and the excluder (the person or people asking you to leave), to improve things and make the home a better place for you to be.

If mediation is not possible, the team will work with you and the excluder to achieve a planned move-on, with the expectation that you remain in the home while we explore your housing options.

If you need help from the housing advice team, please submit a housing triage form (opens new window).

Contact us

For more information and advice, email housingadvice@chichester.gov.uk or phone 01243 534734.