The end of a relationship can be a very difficult time, especially when part of a military family.
When you become separated from a serving partner, whether you’re married, in a civil partnership or long-term relationship, eligibility to Service Family Accommodation (SFA) also ends.
Once DIO has been notified of the separation, separated partners will be issued with a Notice to Vacate (NTV) pack by the DIO Loss of Entitlement Team (LOET), giving 93 days’ notice to leave the property.
It’s the responsibility of both the Local Service Commander and the service person identified as the SFA licence holder to formally notify the LOET by email DIORDAccn-LOETeam@mod.gov.uk that estrangement has occurred resulting in a change of Personal Status Category (PStat Cat).
The pack will contain a lot of information on what happens next, along with accommodation charges for the SFA should you not move out after the 93 days. Part of the pack is the Proportionality Exercise form which you need to complete and return as soon as possible so that the LOET can review your case.
The guidance below gives an outline of what will happen throughout the process and the support that is available.
Who pays for the SFA?
The serving person pays subsidised service rates until the NTV expires, and then the separated partner becomes liable for damage for trespass charges. The Home Charges team sends out monthly statements. No payment plans are available but a standing order can be set up with your bank. You should pay what you can to stop arrears building up. Once the property is vacated, any debt will be passed to Defence Business Services (DBS) who can set up a payment plan for the arrears.
How can I source alternative housing?
Your local authority may be able to help through the Homelessness Officer – you will need the Certificate of Cessation in the NTV pack. Defence Transition Service (DTS) and COBSEO can also help.
Can I request a stay of legal action?
This may be given when the NTV has expired. The separated partner will need to show clear evidence of their future housing plans (e.g. a tenancy agreement or proof of house purchase) and that a short stay would enable continuity of housing. However, if local authority housing is applied for, no stay will be given.
Will I be taken to court?
Court action can take between 11-15 weeks and the separated partner is advised to attend the court hearing. An order for possession of the property will normally be granted for two weeks after the hearing.
What is the condition assessment appointment?
This will be booked when the NTV is sent out. The appointment is attended by the Housing Officer and any damages picked up will be charged to the service person at move-out. DIO advice is that both parties attend this appointment or provide a representative/proxy. Any additional damages will be charged to the separated partner when they move out.
Move-out
The service person should move out once their PStat Cat or relationship status is changed. It is then the separated partner’s responsibility to book the move-out appointment. A proxy can be appointed for this. The partner remaining in the SFA will continue to be charged until a move-out appointment takes place.
If a move-out appointment is not booked and the property appears empty, an abandonment appointment will be booked, and the separated partner will have to pay additional charges. Booking move-out appointments and queries about loss of entitlement should be directed to the LOET: DIORDACCN-LOETeam@mod.gov.uk. For more information, see aff.org.uk/advice/family-life