Under-occupation Scheme
What is under-occupation?
Under-occupation means a home with extra bedrooms that are not being used.
Downsizing
There is very limited social housing in Kensington and Chelsea. The number of people waiting for social housing is very high, making it challenging for the council to offer a home to everyone who applies. The council works with our residents and other housing providers to help reduce housing shortages, freeing up homes for households that need them.
Downsizing involves the process of moving into a smaller home. Our downsizing scheme gives tenants the opportunity to move into a smaller home of their choice, freeing up homes for people who are:
- homeless
- overcrowded
- in temporary accommodation
Meet a Kensington and Chelsea tenant who has successfully downsized
Start downsizing
Downsizing is available to everyone in the borough who is a council or housing association tenant. If you have spare bedrooms in your property, which you no longer need or want, you may be able to access support through our downsizing scheme. Our dedicated Housing Mobility Team can guide you through the downsizing process, from registration to securing a successful move.
Benefits
You can:
- move to an accessible property that meets your health or medical needs
- reduce or clear your rent arrears, by using the cash incentives we offer when you downsize
- reduce your household bills
- move closer to work, family or friends
- live somewhere new, for example, near the seaside
- live near the centre of town or close to local amenities
- make it easier to clean or maintain your home
- give a homeless or overcrowded household a home
How it works
Contact our dedicated Housing Mobility Team who can:
- contact you by telephone
- meet you in person
- arrange a virtual meeting
to discuss your housing options and provide information and advice.
Incentives
If you qualify, and choose to downsize, you will get:
- cash incentives, depending on the number of bedrooms you give back
- removal costs paid
- high priority points on the Housing Register to help you find a suitable home of your choice
- split tenancies for eligible households, helping household members over the age of 18 to secure their own social tenancy
Contact
Housing Mobility Team, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
- telephone: 07712 530044 or 07854 112151
- email: [email protected]
Customer Service Centre
The Town Hall
Hornton Street
London W8 7NX