DISCLAIMER:
This duty is currently under review and has not yet been formally signed off by the relevant professional association. The information provided is for reference only and should not be treated as final or authoritative guidance. Please verify any decisions against approved sources or seek professional advice. Updates will be published once sign-off is complete.
Simple terms explainer
Councils must consider the impact of domestic abuse when exercising housing functions and take reasonable steps to support people affected by abuse. This includes housing allocations, homelessness applications, homelessness prevention activity, tenancy management, and housing support. Councils must consider how domestic abuse affects a person's safety, housing circumstances, and ability to access or sustain suitable accommodation, and ensure housing services respond appropriately where abuse contributes to rent arrears or a risk of homelessness.
Legal status
Statutory
Duty category
Housing
Duty type
Public Facing
Social determinant of health
Neighbourhood and environment
Social and Community Context