Downsizing

Guidance on moving to a smaller home. This includes information about when you may want to consider downsizing and helping you decide if this is the right option for you.

When to consider downsizing?

You may want to consider moving to a smaller home if:

• you're receiving housing benefits and are affected by the size criteria
• your home has become too expensive to run and difficult to manage
• the number of people in the house has reduced, for example, children have grown up and left home
  
  

Useful information

If you’re eligible to move to a smaller home in an area where we can rehouse you, you’ll be required to choose three Local Authorities where you would like to be rehoused.

Please note that the availability of homes is based on the areas selected.

You will also be offered a smaller home based on current bedroom size requirements and not the type of home you may be interested in, for example, a house or flat.

Who is not eligible

We will not be able to consider you for downsizing if any of the below apply:

• you have a starter tenancy
• you have been served a valid Notice of Seeking Possession (NOSP), Section 21 or other legal notice for breach of tenancy
• you have a possession order against you
• you have an injunction order against you, or other legal action has been taken against you or a member of your household
• you have more than £1,000 arrears on your rent account
• you did not comply with the terms under which a direct offer was awarded (if applicable)