How your feedback is helping us improve support for tenants considering downsizing

Last year, almost 150 council tenants who are under‑occupying their home took part in a survey about downsizing to a smaller property. Here’s what you told us and what we’re doing next.What you told u

Housing Leeds Feedback

Last year, almost 150 council tenants who are under‑occupying their home took part in a survey about downsizing to a smaller property. Here’s what you told us and what we’re doing next.

What you told us

73% tenants expressed an interest in downsizing.
Lower rent and cheaper fuel bills were seen as the main benefits of moving to a smaller home.
The main worries about moving were knowing how to start the process and concerns about the stress of moving.
A £500 payment or money towards removal costs would make tenants more likely to downsize.

What we’re doing with your feedback

Many tenants want to explore downsizing but are unsure what steps to take and would welcome financial support.
We want to support tenants to move to homes that better meet their needs, and to free up larger homes for families in priority need on the Leeds Homes Register.
To support this, we're developing a proposal to help tenants who are interested in downsizing to understand their options.
We're considering whether financial help could be offered to support with moving costs.
We plan to trial this new approach in spring 2026 with tenants who told us in the survey that they may want to downsize.
As part of the trial, we'll ask tenants for feedback on whether the support helped them to downsize.

For more information or support about downsizing to a smaller council home, please contact or visit your local Housing Office.

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