We have a range of incentives to help you move to a smaller home. Downsizing is a voluntary scheme which means moving from a property that has spare bedroom(s) you no longer use, to a smaller property that is more manageable for you. You can choose to be offered both housing association and council properties. The housing association will usually only try to evict you if there has been a problem with your tenancy; like you haven’t paid your rent or you’ve caused problems with neighbours. If you are interested in downsizing (moving to a smaller home), you can apply for our Tenant Incentive Scheme, which may give you a cash reward. The rent and sale of these homes help housing associations to provide social and affordable rented properties to those that need them, through a cross-subsidy model. You can also apply to swap your home with someone else who rents a council or housing association home. Housing associations often have different types of tenancies compared with councils. The downsizing scheme is a voluntary scheme which means that you do not have to move unless you choose to do so. Introductory tenants can be evicted as long as. If you do accept a housing association You may wish to move home for any number of reasons including downsizing, job changes, to be closer to family and friends or to reduce day to day living costs. Your occupancy officer will explain what type of tenancy a housing association is offering if you are interested in a particular property. There are two ways of moving to a different home - it might be worth trying both depending on your situation. There are different ways that you could downsize to a smaller home, depending on your circumstances: You can apply to move to an empty council or housing association home - this is called a ‘tenancy transfer’. Housing exchanges for council tenants A mutual exchange is when two (or more) tenants permanently exchange their homes, with the prior permission of their respective landlord. If you are currently struggling to meet the costs of your home, you should see if you can get help paying rent.. You may also want to consider some of the other housing options available. Further advice on this is available from the downsizing officer.. How to apply for a housing association home, types of tenancy agreement and the Right to Acquire Housing association homes: Buying your home - GOV.UK Cookies on GOV.UK If your council property is too large then you can apply to transfer to a smaller council or housing association property. Downsize your council home The Room to Move scheme is designed to help under-occupying tenants (tenants in properties larger than they need) move to a smaller home. Moving home. To find a home to rent or buy, you can visit housing association websites directly or look through property search sites. A mutual exchange can take place between Council and/or private and housing association tenants who hold a secure, assured or introductory tenancy. bidding for a transfer to a smaller council or housing association property on the Home Connections website; removals; clearing your property of unwanted furniture and carpets; Ways to downsize. The scheme applies to all tenants who would like to downsize; whether the property you are moving to is inside or outside the district. There are a number of options for you to consider which could assist you in finding a new home. If you are a housing association tenant and want to downsize, we can still assist you to make a move from your large property. Downsizing your home - your questions answered What is downsizing?