Downsizing
We provide help and assistance to Council Tenants moving to smaller properties. This allows us to make sure our tenants are in homes they can afford and we make best use of our housing stock by freeing up larger properties for homeless families and overcrowded households. Put simply, we will be able to provide good quality homes to more people.
Why move to a smaller home?
You may want to consider moving if:
- You are in receipt of Universal Credit or Housing Benefit and affected by the size criteria i.e. bedroom tax.
- Your home has become too costly to run and difficult to manage
- The number of people in the household has reduced (e.g. children have grown up and left home)
- You want to move to a different location to be nearer family or work
What help will I get with moving?
If you transfer to another Cannock Chase Council home with fewer bedrooms, we will:
- Prioritise your transfer application based on your Housing Need
- Advise on how to access The Homeswapper Website
- Apply for Discretionary Payment to help with housing cost
How do I apply?
To apply for a transfer you will need to complete an on-line form click here.
Can I move if I have rent arrears?
You may be required to clear all outstanding arrears before moving home.
If you are affected by the size criteria and cannot move due to arrears you should contact us to discuss this.
The Condition of your home
We also reserve the right to exclude residents from moving if there has been any breach of tenancy or if your current home has not been kept in a suitable condition, click here for more details.
Please make sure your home and garden in a clean and tidy condition so we can re-let it without having to repair things that you have damaged, change things that you have altered or remove old furniture and rubbish. We will charge you for the cost of work if we have to put things right before you move or treat the damage as a breach of your tenancy Conditions.
If you had our permission to make improvements to the property, such as installing a new kitchen or bathroom, you may be asked for a copy of the letter approving the alteration.
Are any Tenants excluded from expressing their choice?
You will not be allowed to use or bid on our Choice Based Lettings scheme if you have rent arrears.
You will be required to clear all outstanding arrears before we can offer you a property. If you are unable to clear the rent arrears the home will be offered to the next applicant on the list.
If you are affected by the size criteria and can not move due to arrears you should contact us to discuss this.
We also reserve the right to exclude residents from bidding if you are in breach of your tenancy agreement (eg anti-social behaviour) or if your current home has not been kept in a suitable condition.
Last Updated: 31/08/2023