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

Open for signatures 21 signatures

What the petition asks

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.

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.

Timeline

9 Apr 2026

Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 21

Status Open for signatures

Department Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government

Opened 9 Apr 2026

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