Can my Mutual Exchange be delayed? Yes. There are factors that could delay an exchange such as rent arrears, outstanding repairs or if the Neighbourhood Housing Manager needs to reinspect the property.
Can my Mutual Exchange be refused? Yes. A Mutual Exchange approval can be refused due to a number of reasons, including: • • • • • • • •
Rent arrears. We have served you a notice seeking possession. We are taking tenancy action against you due to anti social behaviour. We have obtained an order for your eviction. The property is unsuitable for you or the incoming tenant’s household, for example, it is too large or is too small and will lead to overcrowding. There are restrictions regarding who can live in a property, eg local residing criteria or properties that are adapted for someone with a physical disability. You have a starter tenancy, assured short hold tenancy or a licence. There are outstanding repairs to be completed.
Can the decision be appealed? Yes. If we have refused the Mutual Exchange you can appeal to us. However, if another housing association has refused exchange, you’ll have to appeal to them direct.
Repairs and Responsibilities Your Neighbourhood Housing Managers will conduct a property inspection in the initial stages of the application. During this viewing they will check the condition of the property for any outstanding repairs. Any outstanding repairs you are responsible for, will have to be completed before the sign up. The outgoing tenant will sign a tenant disclaimer at the sign up appointment, stating that all repairs have been completed and the property has been left in good condition. The incoming tenant will also sign a disclaimer which will state any ‘gifted’ items left at the property (e.g. curtain poles, sheds, etc) will be the responsibility of the new tenant to maintain. If you have any further questions about Mutual Exchanges see our website tchg.org.uk. You can also email mutual.exchanges@tchg.org.uk or call 01892 501628.
Paying your rent to us It is really important that you keep your rent account up to date and in credit as you could risk losing your home.
The easy hassle free method
You can now set up a Direct Debit with a single phone call to us - no more forms to complete!
The My Home Online app! If you use your smartphone to get online rather than a computer why not try our My Home Online app? We’ve built it especially for smartphones and
Flexibility
tablets and it enables you to view your rent
You can now choose any day of the month for your direct debit to be taken as well as the frequency e.g. weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
a payment, report a repair, view repair history,
How can I set up a Direct Debit?
account, get a paperless rent statement, make update your personal details and contact us.
You will need a bank account or similar that will allow direct debit payments to be taken from it.
Download the app for free from
Decide on what date and how frequently you would like your rent to be taken, then just call us on 01892 501480 to set it up for you - it really is that easy! To save time when you call, please have your account details to hand.
or Windows) and get information
your app store (Apple, Android on the go at your fingertips.
swap your
home understanding mutual exchange
What is a Mutual Exchange?
How to find a Mutual Exchange swap
How long does the process take?
You may also find a suitable property swap by:
There are various ways to find a suitable property swap
Register with Kent Home Choice
1
We have 42 calendar days to either approve or refuse your application. Looking at and liking our Mutual Exchange Facebook page
Who can apply for an exchange? We encourage our tenants who want to move to consider the option of exchanging their home especially if they are not high priority for a transfer on the housing waiting list. You cannot carry out an exchange if you have a starter tenancy, an assured short hold tenancy or a licence. Please contact your Neighbourhood Housing Manager if you are unsure about the type of tenancy you have.
Register on the nationwide website Homeswapper
www.homeswapper.co.uk
2
If you put Town & Country as your landlord we cover the costs of using the website.
How to apply for a Mutual Exchange When you have found someone to swap properties with, you should arrange to view the property to ensure that it is suitable for your needs. After agreeing an exchange informally between yourselves, each of you should then apply formally to your own landlord for consent to the proposed exchange. Contact our Customer Service Centre on 01892 501480 (option 2) and ask for a Mutual Exchange application form to be sent out in the post. If the tenancy is in joint names, both tenants must sign the form.
3 4
• “Please can you help me?”
Speaking to your Neighbourhood Housing Manager or Income Manager, who maybe able to assist in your search.
Advertising in local papers, shop windows and at other housing associations and council offices.
Looking through the Mutual Exchange register held in Town & Country’s main reception at Monson House.
Is my rent up to date?
During that period, we will write to you:
facebook.com/town&countrymutualexchange
www.kenthomechoice.org.uk A mutual exchange enables you to swap your home with a Town & Country tenant or a tenant of another housing association or council, providing they have the right to mutual exchange and want to swap homes with you.
I should consider...
•
either giving permission for you to proceed with the exchange and confirming any conditions; or advising that we have not granted permission and explaining the reasons for refusal.
Once the references for the incoming tenants have been reviewed, the application will be submitted for approval. If the exchange is approved, gas and electric safety checks are then arranged (these can take up to 2 weeks to book in). Please note that the sign up meeting cannot take place before the safety checks have been made.
Where do I want to live?
How many bedrooms do I need?
Local services and schools
As soon as we have confirmation that the safety checks have been completed, we will contact you to arrange a sign up appointment. Before the tenancy can start, all tenants named on the tenancy agreement from both exchanging parties must be available and present at the sign up appointment. On average tenants move in within 8 - 10 weeks of submitting the application form. Please remember the process can sometimes take longer.
For information or to ask about a mutual exchange contact
mutual.exchanges@tchg.org.uk
www.tchg.org.uk