Transfers and exchanges

There may come a time when your home no longer suits your needs and you want to move. It might be too big, too small or you need to move to a different areas or a different type of property.

Already a Trust tenant but would like to move to a different home?

We may be able to help you find a new home by:

  • Arranging a move (a transfer) to another Trust property
  • Providing you with information about how to find someone to swap your home with (a mutual exchange)
  • Advising you about how to apply to the Local Authorities Choice Based Lettings Schemes (CBL)

Transfers

You can apply for a transfer if you have an Assured or Secure tenancy, have a clear rent account and do not owe us any money for other debts and your home could be let to a new household without needing any repairs or decorating that you are responsible for.

If you have just moved into a Trust property and have a Starter Tenancy you can not move until your tenancy has converted to a full Assured tenancy. This usually happens after a year but could be longer.

Once you have applied for a transfer we will assess your application based on your circumstance and you will be awarded points. Because more people apply for a transfer than we have empty homes we do prioritise people based on the points which reflect their circumstances. You may be awarded points for a number of reasons these include your home being too big or small for you needs, a change in your health or disability which is affected by your current home or if you are experiencing harassment or domestic abuse.

If you want to move to a smaller home we have an incentive scheme called Smooth Move to help you do this. We can help with practical support such as removals and you will be given extra priority for a move.

Mutual exchanges

This is a simple way of moving. Again if you have an Assured or Secure tenancy, have a clear rent account and do not owe us any money for other debts and aren’t in breach of any other tenancy requirements you can swap your home with another Council or Housing Association tenant. You will need to have permission to do this from the Trust and any other Housing Association involved. 

We will usually give you permission to do this unless

  • You owe us money
  • We have started legal action against you
  • The homes would be significantly to big or to small for your families needs or the needs of the family you are swapping with
  • You have not looked after you home and it is in poor condition
  • The homes involved are designed to meet a specific need and you do not meet these requirements, for example you want to swap with someone living in sheltered housing for older people and you are younger than the age limit.
  • You have a Starter Tenancy

Please note if you are a Protected Assured tenant and you move to another Landlord you will loose your protected rights such as the right to buy.

How do I find someone to swap with?

We pay a subscription to HomeSwapper so you don’t have to. You can log onto their website (see panel on the right) to advertise your home and look for people to swap with. Once you have found someone to swap with contact your Neighbourhood Services Officer who will advise you on what else you and we need to do.

How many homes do we let?

From April 2009 to the end of March 2010 we let 782 homes. Of the 782 homes 182 were brand new homes that people were moving into for the first time the remaining 600 were properties were let after another household moved out. Of these empty homes 125 were let to transferring tenants. A high number of the homes that we re-let are flats and sheltered housing for older tenants. 

If you are thinking of moving, would like advice on the type of tenancy you have or want to know more about Smooth Move then please call your Neighbourhood Housing Officer for further advise and assistance on 01225 366006.

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