Mutual
exchange
If you are a council or housing
association tenant, you can decide to swap your home with another
tenant. This is called a 'mutual exchange.
What is a mutual
exchange?
How do I find an exchange
partner?
What happens next?
Is there any
reason why I may not be able to exchange?
What if I don't
have access to the Internet?
Can I swap with more than
one tenant?
What about Housing
Association tenants?
Is there anything else I
need to know?
How do I get more
information?
What is a mutual
exchange?
Mutual exchange is a self-help scheme, where you are expected to
find your own exchange partner. You can swap your home with another
council or housing association tenant in Newham or anywhere else in
the UK, provided your landlord agrees and you have the right to
exchange your tenancy under Section 92 of the Housing Act
1985.
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How do I find an exchange partner?
If you are a Newham Council tenant you can register for a mutual
exchange on the Choice
Homes website. Once your exchange is approved and you find a
tenant who is interested in exchanging homes with you, you each
need to fill in an application form and return them both to the
Lettings Agency. Exchanges on this site normally take place
within Newham or with partner boroughs.
If you would like to look for an exchange both in Newham or
further out you can also sign up to
www.homeswapper.co.uk. This service is free of
charge to Newham tenants.
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What happens next?
Once both forms are received they are registered and then we
arrange for a Technical Officer and your Neighbourhood Services
Manager to visit you at home. Please remember we have 42 days from
the day we receive all parties fully completed application forms to
give you a decision.
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Is there any reason why I may not be able to
exchange?
You may not be able to go ahead with an exchange if you are
trying to move to a property that is too small or much too large
for your household. There are other legal reasons why we may not be
able to help you. If you want more information on this please ask
for Housing Options and Advice Officers on 020 8430 2000.
If you owe rent, council tax, owe money for a former tenancy or
have any other outstanding debt to the Council you will not be
allowed to move until this account is clear.
If you have a history of anti social behaviour or other breaches
of your tenancy, you may be not be eligible to exchange.
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What if I do not have access to the
Internet?
If you are unable to access the Internet you can call the
Housing Options & Advice Officers who may be able to help you
register for an exchange. However, you will still need access to
the Internet to search for exchange partners.
People also advertise for mutual exchanges in shop windows or by
word of mouth.
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Can I swap with more than one tenant?
You can swap a tenancy in a chain with more than one partner,
i.e. a 3 way exchange. You have to make sure that everyone wants to
move and that they are moving into properties that are the right
size.
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What about Housing Association tenants?
If you are a housing association tenant you need to contact your
landlord. If your landlord is a member of the Choice Homes company
you can register
on their website. If not, you should ask your landlord if they
have links to any other exchange schemes.
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Is there anything else I need to know?
You can only exchange into a property that has the right number
of bedroom that your household requires.
The Choice Based Lettings Policy where you can bid down by
one-bedroom does not apply to mutual exchange. You cannot exchange
into a property that would make you overcrowded, even if you are
overcrowded at present.
If you are underoccupying your current accommodation by two
bedrooms (or more); you can exchange into a property that has one
extra bedroom than your assessed need.
You need to make sure you both fill in an application form with
both landlords.
Your home must be kept to a reasonable standard.
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How do I get more information?
If you are interested in exchanging your property please contact
the council on 020 8430 2000 and ask for Housing Options and Advice
Officers.