Household members scheme

You can apply for the scheme if:

• You are over 18
• You are able to demonstrate that you will be able to afford the rent of your new home

Your current home must be either too small or too big for your family. If your current home is too big for your family, the tenant will also be required to move to a smaller property, so check that they agree with this before you apply.

You plan to move alone or as part of a couple. If you have children that you want to live with you, you are not eligible for this scheme. However, we can offer you advice on your housing options.

How do I move?

If your application is approved, how the move works depends on whether you are living in a property that is too big or too small for your family.

I’m living in a property that is too small for our family

We'll make you (the Household Members scheme applicant) one offer of a separate property. We do our best to make an offer which will be the best fit for you, but often the perfect property is not available and some compromise will be required.

If you refuse this offer without good reason, you will not be offered another, so you must either take it or look for housing outside of this scheme.

I’m living in a property that is too big for our family

There are two steps to making this offer as both you (the Household Members scheme applicant) and the tenant will have to move.

If the tenant is eligible for a transfer, the first step is to find them a new home. We'll offer the them suitable properties as they become available and we can also register them to bid for properties on our choice-based lettings site, if they are interested in doing this.

Once the tenant has moved, we'll make you one offer of a property. This may not happen at the same time, so you should make alternative living arrangements whilst you are waiting to be made an offer.

We do our best to make an offer which will be the best fit for you, but often the perfect property is not available and some compromise will be required.

If you refuse this offer without good reason, you will not be offered another, so you must either take it or look for housing outside of this scheme.

Can I afford the property?

The rent will vary according to what area your new home is in. Before your application is approved you will be expected to demonstrate how you are going to pay the rent.

It’s important to consider other costs that you will have to pay on top of your rent, which you may not have had to pay in the past.

The approximate monthly cost for council tax, gas and electricity, water, a tv licence, a tv subscription, internet connection and contents insurance is around £240.

How can I apply?

To apply for the scheme, complete the application form and return it to your housing officer.