A Bill to provide certain protections for persons who live together or have lived together as a couple; to make provision about the property of deceased persons survived by a cohabitant; and for connected purposes
House of Lords
5 May 2021
The Cohabitation Rights Bill would give recognised protections to people who live with, or have lived with, a partner, even if they are not married or in a civil partnership. It includes provisions about what happens to property when a cohabitant dies, aiming to secure fair treatment for survivors and clarify housing rights in such situations.
The bill is currently at the second reading in the House of Lords; if it progresses, it would move to committee stage in the Lords for detailed scrutiny before continuing to further stages.
Generated 21 February 2026
First reading took place on 6 February. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill's journey through the Lords.
Second reading - the general debate on all aspects of the Bill - is yet to be scheduled.
The 2019-2021 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
