Support for residents
We will work with you as you make the move to a new property, helping you through the process to make your move as smooth as possible.
There may be options for you to consider, depending on your circumstances.
Our commitments to tenants who are moving:
- you will be able to move to another council home
- we will remain your landlord and your tenancy conditions will not change
- there will be no change to your Right to Buy rights or discount
- we'll work to make sure your home move is right first time so you only need to move once
- vulnerable residents will get extra support – before, during and after the move
- we'll pay you home loss compensation and an allowance to cover the cost of moving
- your rent will remain affordable at your new home
- you will have the option to return to a new home at Teviot Avenue
First steps
First, we need to talk with you and your family about your circumstances and what your future needs will be. We'll arrange to visit at a time convenient for you so we can understand:
- who lives in your home
- any specific needs or support any member of your household may have
- where you would like to move
- how you would like us to contact you in future
We can then give you advice and guidance on options that can meet your needs. We'll talk with you about your rights and obligations. This will be your chance to ask questions and raise any concerns you may have.
What happens next
Once we understand your circumstances, we will:
- help you complete a housing application, or update an existing one
- try to match you with a council property when one becomes available in an area you prefer
We'll work with you one-to-one to provide the best-matched property for your circumstances and needs. Properties are limited, however. If we can't find a perfect match, we'll look for one as close as possible to what you requested.
We can only offer properties that match your household size and bedroom needs. This could be an opportunity to downsize to more affordable accommodation or move to a larger property more suitable for an overcrowded family. It could also mean we work with family members who would like to be housed separately.
We would like to start building new properties as soon as possible, so we'll try to move you as quickly as we can.
Support payments
If you've lived in your home for 12 months at the time we ask you to move, you'll get a one-off 'home loss payment' of £8,100 when you move home. Joint tenants will get one payment.
The home loss payment amount can be changed each year by the government, so it may be different at the time you move.
You can spend this payment on whatever you like. If you owe us money for rent or other costs, however, we will agree the amount with you and take it from the payment before you receive it.
We will also offer you a 'disturbance allowance' for costs such as:
- disconnecting and reconnecting appliances
- redirecting mail for up to 3 months
- reconnecting telephone, TV and broadband
- removals
- packing and unpacking
Together, the home loss payment and the disturbance allowance are intended to compensate you for having to give up your home and to cover the practical costs of moving home.
We will need your bank details so we can arrange the transfer of money to you.
If you need more help
We can make all the arrangements for your move if you ask us to do so. We'll discuss this when we visit you and help you decide what to do.
We would arrange for:
- the house you're moving into to be in clean and good condition
- your washing machine to be plumbed in
- your cooker to be disconnected and reconnected in your home
- your furniture and personal belongings to be moved to the property
- your belongings to be packed for you if you are physically unable to do so
If you don't want to move
We regret there is no option for you to stay in your home, even if you don't want to move. We will work with you to make the process of moving as easy as possible.
If you need to take independent legal advice, we can advise you on how to do this. We will work with you and any family or legal representatives who may wish to speak with us on your behalf.
Moving back to Teviot Avenue
Every Thurrock Council tenant who has to move home will have an opportunity to return to the new development if their housing needs match the properties that are built.
If you tell us you would be interested in returning but then decide you're happy where you are, you can stay in your new home. No-one will be forced to move twice.