The scheme aims to encourage tenants who are currently under-occupying larger family homes to relocate to smaller properties, thereby making larger homes available for families in need.
The incentive to downsize consists of a £3,500 payment for those tenants qualifying under the eligibility criteria set out below. The incentive scheme will apply to tenants applying for a transfer through the Common Housing Register and those who are assisted to move through our Mutual Exchange processes.
Eligibility criteria
Only tenants meeting all the criteria below will qualify for the Incentive to Downsize payment:
- Tenants with a Scottish Secure Tenancy who are downsizing and moving to either another council tenancy or an RSL property within North Lanarkshire. This will include any tenant moving via their CHR application to one of our CHR partner landlords and to those tenants for whom we have referred as a Nomination to the RSL.
- Tenants surrendering properties with three or more bedrooms.
- Tenants downsizing to a one or two bedroom property.
- Properties being surrendered under the scheme should be those for which there is demand we are currently unable to meet in accordance with the demand/pressure analysis.
- All conditions of tenancy must be met prior to any offer/payment.
Property types to be included:
- Detached (including bungalow type)
- Semi-detached (including bungalow type)
- End terrace (including bungalow type)
- Mid terrace (including bungalow type)
- Lower 4 in a block
- Upper 4 in a block
Mutual exchanges additional criteria
The mutual exchange must be between two tenants or council tenant and RSL tenant within North Lanarkshire. This is to ensure that the larger family sized homes surrendered will meet the housing needs of families living in overcrowded situations within North Lanarkshire. This includes both CHR Partners and non CHR Partner landlords, however only the tenant who is downsizing will qualify for the incentive payment.
If you have any questions about the Incentive to Downsize scheme, please contact your local housing office