Families and relationships
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
Living with other people can be complicated - whether they are family members, your husband, wife or civil partner, an opposite sex or same-sex partner. Your rights will vary depending on the legal status of your relationship and whether you own or rent your home.
This area of law is very complex, so you may need face-to-face advice about your individual circumstances. For information about ending a marriage, including divorce proceedings and provisions for children, visit the Advice Guide website.
Your rights may be different if you have recently come to the UK. The housing rights information
website provides more information about this.
Living with parents
If you're having problems living at home, moving out is not the only option. This page looks at ways you can improve your relationship with your parents. It also looks at issues surrounding stepfamilies, and what to do if you feel that you're in danger at home.
Living with a partner or spouse
Moving in with a partner, spouse, or civil partner is a big step. Think carefully about it before taking the plunge. It's important to know your rights.
Civil partnerships
Civil partnerships give same-sex couples the same rights and responsibilities as married couples. They are only available to lesbian or gay couples.
Counselling and mediation
How counselling and mediation may help if you're at risk of losing your home because of a breakdown in your relationship with your partner or family.
Relationship breakdown
This section could help you work out the options and rights you have to your home if you split up from your partner.
Domestic abuse
Explains your rights if you are experiencing domestic violence.
Housing rights while pregnant
Explains how your housing rights are affected if you become pregnant.
Child maintenance
Find out about your options for arranging child support through Child Maintenance Options, or if you'll need use the Child Support Agency instead
Assigning a tenancy
How a tenancy can be legally transferred or ‘signed over’ from one person to another during their lifetime.
When someone dies
Understand how your housing rights might be affected if someone you live with dies, and find out where to get help.
