Right-Sizing Policy Easy Read
The Fareham Housing Right-Sizing policy aims to encourage Fareham Borough Council tenants to move in instances where they are under-occupying larger properties or disabled adapted homes they no longer require. It sets out the process and support for anyone wishing to move to smaller accommodation or housing without adaptations. The scheme is voluntary for households and there is no requirement for anyone to move if you do not wish to do so.
This page answers common questions about what the scheme is and what help is offered. Please refer to the Fareham Housing Right Sizing Policy 
(370 KB) for full details.
- If you decide that moving to a more suitable property is right for you, there is a lot of support that you can expect from us. Our Neighbourhood Housing and Allocations Officers can guide you through the process, offering you advice and support based on your needs, including if you have any vulnerabilities and/or disabilities.
- For some tenants, you may be able to get some financial assistance to help cover the costs of your move. This can sometimes include additional payments toward removal and reconnections costs if you are moving from a larger property. These are known as 'right-sizing incentive payments'.
- These are discretionary payments made to people who want to move to a smaller property, or who want to move from an adapted or other 'high demand' property to one better suited to their needs, or more simply, the 'Right-Size' for them.
- They are designed to cover part of the cost of moving and to encourage more people to move to properties that are the right size for them and / or better suited for their needs. In this way, it is hoped that families waiting for large or adapted properties can also be housed more quickly.
- No. You have to be a Secure or Flexible tenant of Fareham Borough Council, and you have to be able to transfer your property. Your tenancy agreement will tell you what tenancy type you have, or you can contact your Neighbourhood Officer.
- You also have to be under occupying your property by at least one bedroom, and be willing to move to a smaller property, or you must be occupying an adapted property and you do not / no longer need the adaptations.
- The scheme is also discretionary. This means that the Council doesn't have to let you take part even if you meet the criteria. This might be because there is no more funding for the scheme, for example.
- If you are still in your probationary period, you will need to wait until your tenancy becomes either a secure or flexible tenancy before you could take part in the scheme.
- Yes. You usually can't take part in the scheme if you are in breach of your tenancy conditions. In exceptional circumstances, the Council will use its judgement and may allow you on the scheme even if you have broken the terms of your tenancy, such as being in rent arrears, for example.
- If your rent arrears are only caused by your under occupation of the property or if your benefits do not cover the rent, we will discuss whether they need to be repaid. The Council could take some of your payment to help clear these arrears.
- The Council can also use some or all of the payment to cover the cost of rechargeable repairs needed. This means they can only charge for repairs that they are allowed to charge for, and the damage has to be more than reasonable wear and tear.
- The Council could use all or part of your payment to clear any other debt owed to them as well. This could be for things like Council Tax debts, or arrears from a previous tenancy.
- You would first need to speak to your Neighbourhood Housing Officer, who can give you some more advice. If you qualify, you will be placed on the Housing Waiting List until a suitable property is found for you.
- Payments vary, but you will get more if you are giving up a large property, and more money for the number of bedrooms you release.
- Sometimes removal costs and fees for reconnection can also be paid, but we will need receipts for this and there are limits.
- Full details can be seen in the table below:
| Accommodation moves | Incentive available | Removal costs | Reconnection fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Bedroom to 1 Bedroom property | £2250 | £500 | £100 |
| 4 Bedroom to 2 Bedroom property | £1750 | £500 | £100 |
| 4 Bedroom to 3 Bedroom property | £1250 | £0 | £0 |
| 3 Bedroom to 1 Bedroom property | £1750 | £500 | £100 |
| 3 Bedroom to 2 Bedroom property | £1250 | £0 | £0 |
| 2 Bedroom to 1 Bedroom property | £1250 | £0 | £0 |
- Payments are made once the move has taken place, and the transfer documents signed. For joint tenants, the payment will be split and half paid to each tenant, unless you both ask us to pay one of you.
- The amount available is subject to how much money is in the annual budget for this scheme. Once the money has gone, no more incentive payments can be given that year.
- Payments are made on a first come, first served basis. You can still transfer after this, but you won't get any payment.
- If you're interested in the scheme and think you might qualify, please speak to your Neighbourhood Housing Officer in the first instance.
- You can reach the team by calling 01329 236 100 or by emailing them at: housing@fareham.gov.uk.
| Approved by: | Executive |
| Status: | Final |
| Version: | Final |
| Effective from: | 20/10/2025 |
| Approved on: | 02/10/2025 |
| Last Updated: | 26/09/2025 |
| Updated by: | FA |
| Review Date: | 20/10/2026 |
| Changes: | Minor typing correction. |