Families and Sharing

This section looks at the housing issues that can arise when you live with other people, such as family members, a husband, wife or partner or flatmates or housemates. It explains your rights if you share rented accommodation or move in with your partner. This section looks at your position if your relationship breaks down or you are experiencing domestic abuse. Your rights will vary depending on your marital status and whether you own or rent your home.

Leaving home

Leaving home can be an exciting experience, but it can also be stressful and difficult. Being well prepared can help you avoid ending up in unsuitable accommodation or, worse, finding yourself with nowhere to live at all. More

Living with your parents

As you grow up, it's only natural that you won't always see eye to eye with your parents or guardians. However, if you're having problems living at home, moving out is not the only option. More

Moving in with a partner

It may not be romantic but it is vital that you know your rights when it comes to your home. Preparing properly will make sure that you are less likely to be caught out if anything happens to your relationship. More

Splitting up with a partner

Splitting up with a partner is always painful. You may be tempted to just walk away without thinking about the implications for your housing situation. More

Domestic abuse

If you're experiencing domestic abuse from someone you live with (or used to live with) you may want to leave your home. You may be able to get a court order that stops the abusive person from contacting you or staying in the home. More

Death in the household

When someone dies there are many decisions and arrangements to be made. Unfortunately these often have to be made at a time of personal distress. This section outlines your housing rights if you were living with someone who has died or is dying. More

Giving away your tenancy

Giving your tenancy to someone else is known as 'assignment'. Most private tenants can't assign their tenancy. Housing Executive and housing association tenants may be able to assign their tenancy with the permission of their landlord. More

Civil partnerships

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 for same sex couples. More

Problems with housemates

Outlines your options if you have problems with people you are renting with. Your options depend on what the type of problem and the type of tenancy you and the other people have.  Our renting subsite has lots of information on sharing a home. . More

Living together

Your rights if you move in with a partner will depend on whether you rent or own your home and whether you are married or in a civil partnership. More

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