Swapping your home

We are committed to offering choice and opportunity to people wanting to move. A mutual exchange is often the quickest and easiest way to find a new home. Please find useful information on this page if you are considering a mutual exchange. 

What is a mutual exchange?

A mutual exchange is when you swap your home with another person. This can be from the same landlord, another housing association or council. Landlord approval is required for a swap to take place. You must obtain our written permission before moving and the written consent of both landlords if you are moving to another area or to a home owned by another landlord. To be eligible for an exchange you need to have an assured or secure tenancy, have a clear rent account and a good tenancy record. 

How do I find someone to exchange with?

We partner with House Exchange, where you can advertise your home and apply to exchange. You will need an email address or telephone number to register. Once you have registered you will see homes in your area and across the UK.

What do I do when I have found someone to swap with?

Everyone involved needs to have a completed House Exchange application that has been submitted for assessment. You can find the application here. 

If your exchange partner(s) are unable to complete a form, please contact us on 01392 814550 or email lettings@livewest.co.uk.  You will also need to complete an application form for the other landlord involved. Each landlord will carry out their own initial checks before progressing to the next stage. 

What happens next?

  1. Once we have received all application forms, we have a 42 day application process to gather all the information we need to make a decision. 
  2. We will then contact you to arrange a property inspection - you must invite your exchange partners to this appointment. This visit will include an inspection of your home and a discussion about the exchange process. 
  3. We will obtain references for all exchange partners. 
  4. We recommend you view the property you wish to exchange with as you are accepting it 'as seen.' This is your opportunity to ask the tenants about their home, take photos and inspect the property for yourself. It is important to make sure this is the right home for you. 

Getting mutual exchange ready

You will need: 

  • A clear rent account and ensure any outstanding debts such as recharges (such as unpaid invoices or bills) are paid off. 
  • Four weeks rent in advance that is payable before the documents are signed. 
  • To be on the correct tenancy to do a mutual exchange. 
  • To amend your tenancy to show a change of name or a joint tenancy to a sole name. 
  • Enough savings to cover removal costs. 
  • To make sure your home is in good condition- we will arrange a property check-in appointment with our housing and repairs teams. 
     

Can my mutual exchange be refused? 

Yes. There are several grounds where we may refuse a mutual exchange. These include:

  • Either exchange partner is the subject of an outright possession order, a suspended possession order, or has a short-hold or demoted tenancy. 
  • Either exchange partner has a notice seeking possession issued against them, or there is a request before the court for such an order or demoted tenancy.
  • Either exchange partner (or member of their household who would be living with them or who might be expected to live with them) is the subject of an anti-social behaviour order, court undertaking or injunction, or there is a request before the court to obtain such an order or injunction. 
  • Either exchange partner has rent or other debts outstanding that are due to the landlord organisations. 
  • The accommodation is either substantially larger or smaller than is needed by either exchange partner (we will allow one more or one less bedroom than the household require). 
  • The landlord is a charity and the occupation of the person likely to move in conflicts with the aims of the charity. 
  • The accommodation is a designated adapted property or has been adapted to suit the needs of the current household and if the exchange took place, no such person would be living there. 
  • The accommodation is one of a group of homes let to persons with specific needs (over 50, 55 or 60’s or special services or facilities are provided close by in order to assist tenants) and if the exchange took place no such person with those requirements would be living there. 
  • There is evidence that either exchange partner (or members of their household) is causing or has previously caused nuisance to neighbours or residents in the surrounding area which is likely to be continued after the move. 
  • Tenancies are not secure or assured tenancies and/or are not housing association or council tenancies. 
  • If the outgoing tenant (or their household) has caused damage to the property or its installations, and it would be unreasonable to expect the exchange partner to take on the responsibility for putting the damage right.
  • There is a local lettings policy or planning condition attached to the home that means it must be occupied by someone with a local connection. 
  • If the incoming tenant does not meet the affordability criteria. They must be able to demonstrate that the property is affordable for them and that they can cover the four weeks rent in advance.

What happens once mutual exchange has been approved?

  1. We will arrange an appointment to complete our gas and electrical safety checks. 
  2. Once these have been carried out, you and your exchange partner have 30 days to complete the assignment. 
  3. When you have agreed a date, we will meet you and the other tenant so you can both sign the legal documents which formally transfer the tenancies. It is your responsibility to agree with the other tenant when to swap keys and move out. 
  4. Your tenancies will officially start from the date of your new Tenancy Agreement or Deed of Assignment. 
  5. You are then ready to move in and enjoy your new home.

It is our duty to make you aware that when you accept an exchange property, you are accepting it in the condition it is in. That's why it is important that you assess the property's condition yourself, and speak with our housing and repairs team once they have carried out their property check in appointment. 

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