You're not alone, we can help escape domestic abuse
Domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, background or circumstances. It is not always physical. Abuse can include emotional, psychological, financial or controlling behaviour that makes someone feel frightened, isolated or unsafe.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, it is important to know that support is available and you do not have to face it alone.
In an emergency
If you are in immediate danger or a crime is taking place, call 999 for emergency services.
Support from Housing Services
Support is available across Dartford Borough Council’s Housing Service. We understand that the fear of having no support or becoming homeless can be a major barrier for those experiencing abuse.
If you are thinking about leaving, or have already made that decision, you can speak to a Housing Solutions Officer at the Civic Centre or call 01322 343434.
If you need help outside of office hours, contact the Emergency Out of Hours Service on 0345 634 1212.
Advice on your housing options
We can offer confidential, sensitive support tailored to your situation, including advice on:
- Staying in your home safely
- Joint tenancies and your rights
- Occupation orders
- Homelessness and rehousing options
If you are a council tenant, please contact your Housing Officer on 01322 343 133. If you are not a council tenant, our Housing Solutions Team can support you.
How we can help
Every situation is different, and we will work with you to understand your options. We can also signpost and, with your consent, refer you to specialist support services.
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Staying in your home: We can help explore ways to make your home safer, including legal measures to prevent the abuser from returning. You may also be eligible for the Sanctuary Scheme, which provides additional security measures.
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Access to safe accommodation: We can support you in finding refuge or other safe accommodation. Refuges are available for women (with or without children), and we can also signpost to services that support men.
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Leaving safely: We understand that leaving an abusive situation can be the most dangerous time. You can contact us at any stage if you feel it is unsafe to remain at home.
You do not have to make immediate decisions about your tenancy if you leave due to domestic abuse, we will help you work through your options at a pace that feels right for you.
Remember: You are not alone, and help is available. Reaching out is the first step toward safety and support.
Reporting Changes in Occupancy
Tenants must notify the Housing Estate Management Team whenever there is a change in household members. This includes situations where someone moves into or out of the property.
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If someone moves out: Tenants are required to provide a signed letter confirming the name of the individual who has left and the date they moved out. This ensures that tenancy records are updated accurately.
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If someone moves in: Tenants must complete an Additional Persons Form and await a decision. Properties must not become statutorily overcrowded.
If a joint tenant decides to leave the property, they must complete a Tenancy Termination Form. This formally ends their responsibility under the tenancy agreement and ensures that the remaining arrangements are clearly defined.
Where there is a joint tenancy either of the tenants can end the tenancy by giving notice in writing. It is important to note that if a joint tenant ends a tenancy this will end the tenancy for ALL joint tenants. Remaining joint tenants, not entitled to succeed to the tenancy, will be expected to find alternative accommodation. However, if on a case by case basis, the Council exercises its discretion and allows a joint tenant to remain in a property, a new tenancy will be created.
Notifying Other Organisations
In addition to informing the Housing Estate Management Team, tenants are responsible for updating any relevant external departments about changes in occupancy. This may include:
Ensuring all organisations have accurate information will help prevent issues with payments, entitlements and tenancy issues.
Pet policy
Before bringing a pet into your property, you are required to complete a Pet Request Permission Form. This form allows the Housing Estate Management Team to review your request and assess whether keeping a pet is suitable for your home and circumstances.
Please note that you must wait for a decision before introducing a pet into the property. Keeping a pet without prior approval may result in a breach of your tenancy conditions.
Understanding the Pet Policy
To help you prepare your request and understand your responsibilities as a pet owner, you should refer to the Pet Policy.
This document outlines the expectations, conditions, and guidelines relating to pet ownership within council-managed properties. You must ensure that it complies with all relevant legal requirements, including microchipping, registration and any other statutory obligations.
The Pet Policy is available on the Dartford Borough Council website, and tenants are encouraged to read it carefully before submitting an application.
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