Civil partnerships
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
Civil partnerships allow same-sex couples the chance to enjoy the same rights and responsibilities as people who are married. Civil partnerships are only available to couples of the same sex.
Forming a civil partnership can affect your entitlement to benefits. Contact a local advice agency if you are unsure what benefits you are entitled to.
Who can form a civil partnership
Two people can form a civil partnership if:
- they are of the same sex
- they aren't already married or in another civil partnership
- they are over sixteen (and have consent if they are under 18).
What will it mean for me?
Splitting up with a partner
Civil partnerships can affect your right to stay in your home if your relationship breaks down. Civil partners who break up have the same rights as people who are married if you break up.
Staying in the home if your partner dies
If your partner dies, you may not automatically have the right to stay in the home. Your rights will depend on whether your home is owner-occupied or rented.
Passing on my tenancy during my lifetime
This process is known as assignment. If you have a secure tenancy this can be assigned to civil partners and to couples that haven't registered a civil partnership. Normally you can't assign other tenancy types, but it depends what it says in your agreement. If you are unsure, contact a local advice agency using our directory.
What about benefits?
Civil partners are assessed in the same way as married couples. If you are currently claiming as a single person you may have to file a new claim as a couple. Contact your local benefits agency for more information if you are unsure.
If you are living as a same-sex couple your housing benefit could be affected, even if you haven't formed a civil partnership. Only one person can make a claim for housing benefit and the resources of the other will be taken into account when working out your housing benefit.
