Allow qualified professionals to end a tenancy for adults who lack capacity

Background

Adults who lack capacity can't end a tenancy, & Court of Protection delays mean they may owe rent on homes they no longer live in. The law might not protect them from avoidable debt. Allow healthcare or social workers to end a tenancy when in a person’s best interests & no attorney or deputy exists.

Additional details

Under current law, if an adult who lacks capacity needs to move into residential or nursing care and has no attorney or deputy, their tenancy can only be ended through the Court of Protection. This can take many months, leaving vulnerable adults paying rent for a property they no longer occupy and at risk of significant arrears. Allowing qualified professionals to act in a person’s best interests would prevent avoidable debt and ensure timely, safeguarding focused decisions.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.