If you’re living in one of our homes that’s become too big for your needs, we’re trialling a project with Manchester City Council to help you move to a smaller home and clear rent arrears up to £2,500.  

 

Managing any home can be challenging and we understand that when you’re living in a home that isn’t right for you, it can be stressful and sometimes an added financial strain.  

A new home might be more suitable for several reasons including: 

  • Medical and mobility needs 
  • Saving money on household bills, including rent 
  • Less cleaning and household maintenance 
  • Avoiding the bedroom tax 
  • Moving to a different area 

 

If you’ve fallen in to rent arrears and are living in a home with two or more bedrooms that aren’t being used, please get in touch with your Income Officer so we can support you to find the right home.  

 

How does it work? 

You’d need to be registered on the city council’s Manchester Move website so we can help you find and bid on suitable homes. 

 

After moving to another home, you would receive a £2,500 incentive which would be used to clear your rent arrears, and any remaining balance would be credited to you.  

The city council’s rightsizing team would also help you with removal costs.  

 

Lai Chan, Southway Housing’s Income Manager said: “We understand that people have changing needs over time, and we want to support tenants to find the right size home without rent arrears being a barrier. 

“This also helps to free up larger sized homes for families experiencing homelessness.” 

 

Concilia Nkala, Manchester City Council’s Rightsizing Officer added: "So far the service has assisted over 200 people across Manchester to find a home that better meets their needs. For many this has been life-changing by easing money worries and helping them move to a more comfortable home with lower bills. We are looking forward to helping more people explore their housing options over the coming year." 

 

Get in touch 

If you are in rent arrears and want to find out more, email incomecollections@southwayhousing.co.uk or call us on 0161 448 4200.