accordgroup.org.uk Swapping homes This leaflet explains how you can move home by mutual exchange. Accord Group / mutual exchange

Transcription

1 accordgroup.org.uk Swapping homes This leaflet explains how you can move home by mutual exchange. Accord Group / mutual exchange

2 If you want to move home you can do so by mutual exchange. This is when you swap your current home with another Accord Group tenant, or a tenant from another housing organisation. Who can swap their home? All tenants, with the exception of supported housing customers and those on starter tenancies, have a right to exchange homes. We give fair and reasonable consideration to all mutual exchange requests. However, there are some reasons why you would not be able to exchange your home. These include: n If there is a possession order on your property or we have started possession action n If one of the properties being exchanged is unsuitable for you or the person you are swapping with. Suitability is usually judged on size, accessibility or support arrangements. n You have not cleared your rent account of any arrears before you move. Unfortunately, mutual exchanges with tenants in leased or private rented accommodation are not allowed. A tenant also cannot exchange into an empty property.

3 How can I find someone to swap my home with? The most popular way of searching for a home swap partner is by using the internet. We have a website called Swap and Move at swapandmove.co.uk. On the website you can: n Search for a property to move into n Advertise your current home and search for people who are interested in your property n Search for two-way or three-way exchange possibilities. Membership is free for all of our customers. Thousands of tenants have registered from housing associations and councils across the West Midlands. The site also links to other parts of the country. If you don t have access to the internet, you can discuss your options with our mutual exchange facilitator, by calling What do I do when I have found someone to swap my home with? You can express an interest to swap online or by calling our mutual exchange facilitator. If both parties agree to a home swap, you need to arrange your own viewing of the property to make sure that you re happy before you go ahead. There are some key things that you can do to make your property more appealing: n De-clutter, tidy and clean all of the rooms n Keep your garden tidy cut the lawn and trim back overgrown hedges n Remove any rubbish from your garden n Complete any outstanding DIY projects n On the day of a viewing, open windows to keep the home bright, airy and free from any unwanted odours.

4 You may wish to discuss the tenancy agreement for the home that you re looking to move into, as it may be different to your current terms and conditions. Once both parties are happy to proceed, you will need to complete two application forms; one from the Accord Group and one from the landlord you wish to swap with. If you both have the same landlord you will only need to complete one form. Please let us know if you need help to complete these forms. Once you have completed the forms please send them to our mutual exchange facilitator at Accord Group, 18 Caldmore Green, Caldmore, Walsall, WS1 3RL. What happens next? Once we have the completed application forms we will run checks to help us decide whether we can allow the mutual exchange to go ahead. We will: n Check if you have any history of anti-social behaviour n Check your rent account for any arrears, tenant re-charges and outstanding court costs n Interview the person you are swapping with as they will become our tenant We will ask for identification and information about their circumstances. You may have an interview with your prospective landlord as well. n Arrange for our surveyor to visit and inspect your property. The surveyor will look for damage and/or repairs. This will be explained to you at the time of the visit and you will be given time to carry out any repairs if they are your responsibility. If you are exchanging with a tenant of another landlord, we will need to contact the landlord for a reference for their tenant and to get their consent for the exchange. We take all of the checks into consideration when making a decision.

5 When will a decision be made? We will write to you to tell you whether the mutual exchange has been approved or refused in a maximum of 42 days from the checks being completed. If the exchange is approved by both landlords, we will contact you and arrange an exchange date that is convenient for both parties. We will also carry out a gas and electrical check on your property a few days before you swap to ensure all is as per the survey and safe for the swap. You must allow us access to complete this check. To complete the exchange you will need to attend an appointment at our offices to sign your tenancy over to the tenant you will be swapping with. You will complete the same process with your new landlord. You will swap keys on a given date and then move into your new home. Points to consider n It is illegal to offer or accept an incentive for exchange n When you swap your home with someone the type of tenancy you have might change. This means that your rights and responsibilities as a tenant may also change. We will inspect your home before you move out and any damage must be paid for or repaired. n If you exchange your home without our written permission, you may be at risk of losing your home. What do I do if I want to appeal the decision to refuse my mutual exchange? If you think that we have been unreasonable in not granting permission to exchange you can appeal this decision. To appeal please write to our mutual exchange facilitator at Accord Group, 18 Caldmore Green, Caldmore, Walsall, WS1 3RL.

6 Do you need this document in another language or format? Tick the box next to the language or format you need and send it to the address below. This leaflet is also available in large print, Braille, audio and EasyRead formats. Arabic Bengali Gujarati Hindi Polish Punjabi Slovak Somali Urdu Large print Audio Braille EasyRead Accord Group, 178 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, B70 6QG Telephone: Printed on part-recycled paper using environmentally-friendly inks