We have compiled this guidance based on questions we frequently receive from residents looking to trade down. If your question is not answered, please contact us using the details at the end of this page.
What is the Fresh Start Scheme?
This is a scheme that allows tenants who are under occupying their council/housing association homes to move to a smaller property within the Borough of Barnet.
What type of tenancy must I have to downsize through this scheme?
You must be a secure council tenant or an assured tenant if your landlord is a Housing Association.
My landlord is a Housing Association, what do I have to do to join the scheme?
Your landlord must give their written permission for you to join the scheme and agree to a reciprocal agreement. This means if we re-house you through the scheme your landlord must agree to Barnet Homes having nomination rights for your empty property so that we can re-house clients from the Housing register. Please contact your landlord to discuss to obtain permission.
If my landlord is Barnet Homes or Opendoor Homes, how do I register for this scheme?
You should telephone the Fresh Start officer on 020 8359 4695 or email fresh.start@barnethomes.org to make an appointment for the Fresh Start Officer to visit you at your home. During this visit the Fresh Start Officer will conduct a property inspection and will advise you of any possible re-charges, please note they are not a qualified surveyor and this is a visual inspection and there may be further re-charges once the empty property has been inspected by a qualified surveyor.
The Fresh Start Officer will discuss the areas you wish to move to and the property type, taking into consideration any medical issues.
What is a re-charge?
When leaving your old property, you must completely clear the property of any personal belongings or rubbish items. If we have to replace something in the property that is missing for example, doors removed or banisters or handrails or if we have to dispose of items left behind, this will be classed as a re-charge.
What priority will I be given as I am giving up a larger home?
Once registered onto the scheme you will automatically be placed into Band 1 which is the highest band and will be given the highest priority.
What happens after I have registered?
The Fresh Start officer will check which properties are available every week and will contact you to give you information about the property. You will be asked if this is a property you would like to view. If you do want to view the property the viewing will take place once the void works have been completed.
Can I choose where I want to live and what sort of property I will be offered?
You can choose where you want to move to within the Borough of Barnet. Houses are not available that often so considering a flat or maisonette will give you more choice. If there are any medical issues, we will ask you to complete a self-assessment medical form and the medical team will make their recommendations for future re-housing.
What details will you be able to give me about the property?
We will be able to tell you if it is a house, flat or maisonette, number of bedrooms and size of bedrooms and which floor the property is situated on, together with information on the bathroom type as some
How long will it take me to move?
We cannot give you an indication how long it will take you to move as you have to wait for a property to become vacant. Please be aware that there is a shortage of available properties so the more areas and choice of properties you are willing to consider this will open a larger choice of properties we can discuss with you.
How long do I have to move after I have accepted a property?
The Barnet Group will pay the rent for your new property for two weeks to enable you to move your belongings into your new property and clear your old property of all belongings.
If you need more than two weeks to move, you may be liable for rent on both properties.
Please note during the two weeks you will receive a small council tax bill as it shows you have two tenancies, but this will end once you terminate your old property.
Can I move through this scheme to another borough within London or outside London?
No, this scheme is for tenants downsizing within the Borough of Barnet only.
Will you be able to help me with removals?
We can arrange removals for you free of charge together with a disconnection/reconnection of a cooker and washing machine.
Any additional services ie: packing boxes, furniture to be dismantled/reassembled we will obtain costs and if you except the cost this will be deducted from your Fresh Start Payment.
How much is the Fresh Start payment that I can receive?
Please see below the following payment which is paid by how many bedrooms you are freeing up.
2 bed to 1 bed £2000.00
3 bed to 2 bed £2000.00
3 bed to 1 bed £4000.00
4 bed to 3 bed £2000.00
4 bed to 2 bed £4000.00
4 bed to 1 bed £6000.00
We also reimburse redirection of post for three months at a cost of £39.50.
When can I expect to receive my Fresh Start Payment?
This is usually paid between 4-6 weeks after you have ended the tenancy of your old property.
Please be advised that any rent arrears or re-charges will be cleared in full from your fresh start payment and you will receive the remaining balance.
Can I have a spare bedroom?
Yes, this is allowed through this scheme. But if you are of working age and in receipt of housing benefit/Universal credit and will be under occupying your new home you may have to pay extra rent for the spare bedroom.
How will I afford the rent on both properties?
We will pay the first two weeks full rent on your new property if you are moving to a council property or an Opendoor homes property, which ensures you only pay rent on one property during the move.
If you take longer than two weeks to move you will be charged rent on both properties from the third week.
When do I have to hand the keys back for my old property?
At the sign up of your new tenancy we will advise the tenancy end date for your old property. You must hand the keys back to us by the Monday before 12noon at Bristol Avenue. Please be advised that if you return the keys after this time we will charge you a further week’s rent as we will not be able to end the tenancy of your old property until the following Monday.
Any further queries please telephone 020 8359 4695 or email fresh.start@barnethomes.org.