Ending joint tenancies: equality impact assessment

Recommendations and Conclusion

Our assessment has identified that in making it easier to exit from a joint tenancy there is no negative or positive impact on people with protected characteristics in relation to the three aspects of the public sector equality duty. We recognise that the data available does not allow a complete picture of the needs of those with protected characteristics. However this assessment has allowed the opportunity to consider the needs of these groups as fully as possible.

We have identified this policy is likely to have an overall beneficial effect, allowing tenants to end a tenancy where other joint tenants are refusing to bring the tenancy to an end as a result of relationship breakdowns. This may be particularly for women who have to leave a tenancy where they experience domestic abuse with tenancies being used as a means of financial control. Stakeholder engagement also highlighted that victims of domestic abuse are also overwhelmed by the circumstances and making any legislation and guidance as easy to read as possible to help them navigate the system would be beneficial.

Additionally this measure may particularly benefit young people who are students entering into a joint tenancy to share costs but the relationship with flatmates breaks down and they cannot exit the tenancy and find they continue to be held liable for costs indefinitely.

Another key finding from the RentBetter research^[60] highlights tenants on low incomes general lack of awareness around PRS rights and protections. It is particularly important that we reach seldom heard audiences who are less likely to know their rights or might know their rights but feel unable to exercise them.

To advance equality of opportunity, during implementation communications on the new rights and existing legislation changes should use a range of appropriate, accessible and inclusive means and methods, including internet and social media to advance equality of opportunity by maximising understanding of the changes.