New bill targets domestic abusers and overhauls right to buy in England A new bill in England will allow social housing landlords to evict domestic abuse perpetrators, offering protections for victims who previously had to leave their homes. The bill also significantly increases the required tenancy length from three to 10 years for the right-to-buy scheme. Additionally, it aims to protect newly built and rural social homes from being sold off and strengthens councils’ rights to buy back properties.

• Social housing landlords in England will be able to evict domestic abuse perpetrators.
• The required tenancy length for the right-to-buy scheme will increase from three to 10 years.
• Victims of domestic abuse will no longer be forced to leave their homes when an abuser is evicted.
• Joint tenancies can be transferred to the victim’s sole name or suitable alternative accommodation provided.
• Newly built social homes will be protected for 35 years, and rural homes will be exempt from right-to-buy.
• Councils will have a stronger right of first refusal to buy back properties.
• The bill removes outdated requirements from the 2016 Housing and Planning Act, providing more certainty for social housing providers.