Housing Options
Derwentside Homes recognises that when domestic violence occurs, people often have many practical problems to deal with when they are already feeling vulnerable. Finding somewhere suitable to live is not the least of these problems.
Derwentside Homes will give advice dependant on whether the victim is:
- a non-tenant victim who remains in occupation, with sole or both joint tenants having left the property
- a sole tenant victim who remains in occupation, with the spouse, partners or former cohabitant having left the property
- a joint tenant victim who remains in occupation with the joint tenant, spouse, partner or cohabitant having left the property
- either a joint tenant or a sole tenant with a non-occupant perpetrator
The advice will consider any surrender, notice to quit and/or possession proceedings and any action will consider perpetrators Article 8(2) Human Rights.
In Durham Key Options, provision for considering transferring a tenant on exception where violence (domestic or other) has been experienced and a move would ease the situation is available.
It is important the victim is able to access advice on their choices, whether such advice is available from Derwentside Homes or another agency.
- If the victim signals that they wish to move home, the following options can be explored:
- Transfer on exception grounds under the Durham Key Options Choice Based Lettings Policy;
- Advice on the MoveUK scheme, particularly where the person is seeking a move out of the district area;
- Refer to Durham County Council’s Homelessness and Housing Advice Service.
When dealing with domestic violence within the home, Derwentside Homes may consider the scope for evicting the perpetrator and allowing the victim to remain in their home. However, where there would be a likelihood of violence or the threat of other forms of serious abuse if the victim continued to occupy his or her present home, Derwentside Homes may consider, with the consent of the victim, referring the case to Durham County Council for them to consider under the homelessness rules.
Many of the choices available to a victim who needs rehousing will lead to the allocation of social housing. Derwentside Homes will also consider whether a victim is eligible for assistance and be aware of in relation to a victim of abuse/vulnerable person who may have recently moved to the UK (for an arranged marriage or otherwise)
Further information is available in our:
