Yulia is a Ukrainian national living in the UK with her ex-partner (EU citizen with Settled Status) as a joint tenant with ……..

Written By Pete Willis

Client Profile:  

Yulia is a Ukrainian national living in the UK with her ex-partner (EU citizen with Settled Status) as a joint tenant with two children. She is currently in private rented accommodation. Yulia entered the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme in 2022 before the relationship was established, and has since been granted Ukrainian visa extension, and recently submitted an immigration application under Appendix FM as the parent of a British child. 

Reason Client Needs Advice:  

Yulia approached us due to conflict and ongoing distress in the home, due to cohabitation with an ex-partner. She expressed a desire to leave the property or explore options for changing the tenancy, however, was uncertain about her housing rights and future immigration status. Yulia knew that they would not be eligible to be added to the housing register as she did not have 7 years of residency in Harlow. While speaking with Yulia, it also became evident that she did not know about the potential impact of immigration conditions—such as No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)—on her ability to claim benefits and support her family. 

What We Did to Help the Client: 

  • Housing Rights and Safety Advice: We explained Yulia’s rights as a joint tenant, advising that neither party can be removed from the tenancy without mutual agreement or a court order. We also outlined the legal eviction process should the landlord wish to end the tenancy. We discussed the risks of leaving the tenancy without formally ending it and provided detailed links to official guidance on housing and cohabitation rights. 

  • Domestic Abuse and Homelessness Support: We provided information on legal protections under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and discussed how Yulia may be considered in priority need for homelessness assistance. We gave details for specialist domestic abuse organisations and encouraged her to maintain communication with the local housing team. Guidance was given on how to gather and present evidence of abuse, including the impact on the children. 

  • Immigration and Public Funds Advice: We explained the risks of the new immigration application being granted with NRPF and the consequences for benefit entitlements. We outlined how to request the NRPF condition be lifted or removed, either during the ongoing application or later via a Change of Conditions request. After consulting with Citizens Advice Immigration Expert Advice Team, we introduced the possibility of withdrawing the Appendix FM application and relying on the existing Ukraine visa if needed, as these would be IAA (Immigration Advice Authority) Level 2 Advice, referral routes for Level 2 immigration advice, and free helplines were also provided. 

  • Income Maximisation and Community Support: We signposted Yulia to local support services including Bounty Club, low-cost school uniform exchanges, and adult learning opportunities for skills building. We also explained the current £3 bus fare cap and how to reduce local travel costs. Guidance was given on applying for grants using Turn2Us. 

Outcome: 

Non-financial outcomes 

Yulia has a clearer understanding of her tenancy rights, immigration situation, and the potential implications of an NRPF condition. Yulia was given information on resources to seek safety, explore housing options, and maintain benefit entitlement, where/if possible. 

Financial outcomes

  • Bounty Club £4160 annually 

  • School uniform exchange £251.18 annually 

  • Single day ticket £255.50 annually 

NB: Names and some details have been changed to protect our clients’ identities. 

 

Pete Willis
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