WHAT IS A MUTUAL EXCHANGE?
Mutual Exchange is a swap of accommodation between two, three, four, or more tenants, and relies on each party taking up permanent residency of their exchange partner’s property. A tenant cannot exchange into an empty property.
CAN A COUNCIL TENANT ONLY EXCHANGE ACCOMMODATION WITH OTHER COUNCIL TENANTS?
No, a council tenant can also apply to exchange accommodation with tenants of Housing Associations and Housing Trusts. Unfortunately, exchanges with private tenants are not allowed.
WILL I GET ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REMOVAL EXPENSES?
No, the council is unable to offer any financial help towards the cost of moving. However, if you are in receipt of certain benefits or are on a low income, you may be able to apply for a Social Fund Loan your local DSS office.
WILL AN EXCHANGE BE PERMITTED IF EITHER TENANT IS IN RENT ARREARS?
No, in most cases each party must have a clear rent account. It is Council policy not to allow Mutual Exchanges where arrears exist.
AM I ALLOWED TO CLEAR MY EXCHANGE PARTNER’S RENT ARREARS?
No, this is illegal and could jeopardise both tenancies.
AM I ALLOWED TO OFFER A TENANT MONEY OR ANY OTHER INCENTIVE TO PERSUADE THEM TO EXCHANGE WITH ME?
No, again this is illegal and could jeopardise both tenancies.
WILL I GET ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS / DECORATIONS?
No, when exchanging accommodation, a tenant is required to accept the property as seen and as vacated by existing tenant. There must be no cost incurred by the Council. It is therefore important that you thoroughly inspect your exchange partner’s property and ensure that you are fully aware of the condition that it is in. Maintenance will not, under normal circumstances, carry out any general repairs for a new tenant until a period of at least 6 months has elapsed from the start of the new tenancy. Each tenant, should, therefore, report any repairs that are necessary in their current properties, to the Maintenance Department, as soon as possible, prior to moving out.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I OR MY EXCHANGE PARTNER SHOULD CHANGE OUR MINDS AFTER COMPLETING THE APPLICATION FORMS?
The council will not normally take any action should either tenant withdraw from a Mutual Exchange. Fortunately, it is not common for a tenant to withdraw an application, although it does happen. It is for this reason that you may also wish to enter into a private contract with your exchange partner(s).
HOW SOON SHOULD I START MAKING MY ARRANGEMENTS TO MOVE?
You should not make any arrangements to move until you have received written confirmation that your request to exchange accommodation has been approved.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE FURTHER QUESTIONS/CONCERNS ABOUT MY MUTUAL EXCHANGE?
If you have any further questions/concerns about your Mutual Exchange, please do not hesitate to telephone Friday Hill TMO, as soon as possible on 0208 523 9433 or email tracy@fridayhilltmo.org.uk