5SThe tenant and—
(a)the tenant’s spouse [F1or civil partner] , or
(b)any person with whom the tenant has, for a period of at least 6 months immediately prior to the commencement of the period referred to below, been living in the house as husband and wife or in a relationship which has the characteristics of the relationship between [F2civil partners] ,
have been absent from the house without reasonable cause for a continuous period exceeding 6 months or have ceased to occupy the house as their principal home.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in sch. 2 para. 5(a) inserted (5.12.2005) by Civil Partnership Act 2004 (c. 33), s. 263(10)(c), Sch. 28 para. 65(2)(a); S.S.I. 2005/604, arts. 2(c), 4
F2Words in sch. 2 para. 5(b) substituted (5.12.2005) by Civil Partnership Act 2004 (c. 33), s. 263(10)(c), Sch. 28 para. 65(2)(b); S.S.I. 2005/604, arts. 2(c), 4