So, my brother got a house through Yorkshire housing association with the help of mental health services as he is vulnerable.. he then decides to add his girlfriend to the tenancy agreement. Now a few years later they are splitting up, her and her parents are demanding my brother should leave, intimidating my brother and saying they will phone the police. Advice please?
I'd suggest: a) Call the housing association first to explain what's happened and see where he stands b) If needed, call Shelter as they advise on all housing matters; either where he might stand if HA not helpful, and if he needs urgent re-housing, Shelter may be able to advise further. Good luck to him.
If they are both on the tenancy, then it is a civil rather than a legal issue. The police won't be involved. This means that neither party can change the locks or force the other out. If your brother is forced out, the local council have a duty to help because he is made homeless - although this might not be the most salubrious accommodation. They don't if he leaves of his own volition. This might be another route to investigate.
So it doesn't matter that he is the lead tenant & that he added her onto the tenancy agreement afterwards?
It wasn't your brother that put his girlfriend on the tenancy - it would have been the Housing Association. I would check that her name is actually on the tenancy agreement and if she has the same standing there as your brother. Also if it's a flat for people with mental health issues then it may be that if your brother leaves, the Association wouldn't automatically transfer the tenancy to her. I'm no expert - you need to phone the Housing Association for advice. Your brother needs to sit tight until these issues have been sorted.
I know of someone locally had a similar scenario and the HA said as they was original/lead they had priority but will totally depend on what the lease says in terms of tenancy. Many variables with different answers. As others said HA need to answer.
In that case I can't see how he wouldn't end up with the tenancy, given that it was given to him on the basis of his mental health criteria. He should stay put until speaking to the HA.