Young people whose parents die while they are living together in rented accommodation will no longer have to move out after two months after the incoming government said it would change the law.

Housing corporations will be able to offer grown-up children of deceased tenants a temporary lease of up to two years. They will also have to offer social support and help with moving when the tenants leave the accommodation.

Private and social landlords have agreed with the minister to take more steps to help young residents and prevent them becoming homeless until the law is formally passed.

The issue came to light in August when Fabiënne Valk, 19, and her 18-year-old sister Valerie were told they would have to leave the house in Enschede where they grew up after their mother died. They were ineligible for housing subsidies because they were under 23.

An article in local newspaper Tubantia about the sisters’ plight sparked an outcry, during which a building belonging to housing corporation Ons Huis was daubed with graffiti and two cars were set on fire. The corporation eventually agreed to let the sisters stay in the house.

Caretaker home affairs minister Kajsa Ollongren said the move would give people space to grieve without having to worry about losing their home. ‘Young adults who lose their parents should be able to focus on coming to terms with their loss.

‘Thanks to these agreements they can continue living in their parents’ home for longer and will not have to worry about their housing situation.’