A mutual exchange is often the quickest way to move house! You simply swap your property with another tenant through an 'assignment of tenancy' so you don't need to apply to a waiting list. More information, including details of Homeswapper, an exchange scheme you can use is below. Please visit www.homeswapper.co.uk.
Please remember to stay safe! Before you visit a possible exchange partner (or they visit you), read our safety advice. Please click here for details.
All tenants, with the exception of assured shorthold tenants and starter tenancies, have a right to exchange. We will encourage exchanges and will not unreasonably withhold permission. Unfortunately, mutual exchanges with tenants in leased or private rented accommodation are not allowed. A tenant also cannot exchange into an empty property.
You may be interested in www.homeswapper.co.uk which we subscribe to. HomeSwapper is the UK's largest community of social housing tenants looking to swap homes, generating thousands of potential swaps each week. As our tenant you can apply to Homeswapper and will not be charged a registration fee. You can also search for mutual exchanges through other landlords offices, for example your local authority. View mutual exchanges online in association with homeswapper.co.uk
You are legally responsible for your property and for the prompt payment of rent. You are also required to keep to the terms of your Tenancy Agreement and must not exchange or assign your Tenancy without our consent. Therefore, we will take legal action against you if you exchange your accommodation without permission!
Before giving consent to an exchange, we must ensure that the tenants have met certain conditions:
These are the main terms that must be met. However certain other conditions may apply.
Remember to make your home attractive to others. When you advertise, bring out the good features of your home. A colour photograph may help. Write about your home's advantages, for instance the new double-glazed windows, the attractive view, or the proximity to shops and buses.
Remember, you need to be sure about a property - after all it is potentially going to be your new home. Make as many appointments as you need, including weekends and evenings, before you make the decision to go ahead with a move.
Another thing to take into account is the cost of moving - not just for removals but for furniture, soft furnishings, repairs etc.
Please bear in mind that it is your responsibility to check the condition of the home you are moving to and to have the current tenant arrange for their landlord to undertake outstanding repairs before you move.
Before you visit a property, make a checklist of all your priorities. These could include:
Be sure about what is involved. If there are fittings that have been provided by the outgoing tenant, and not by Radian, then we will not maintain or replace them in the future. If you accept them you will have to sign a form to say you will take responsibility to repair the items yourself. Typical examples are mixer taps or non-electrical shower units, carpets and curtains.
Also gas fires provided by the tenant rather than Radian cannot under any circumstances be left in a property on mutual exchange. This is because we cannot allow you to be put at risk. This measure is to protect the safety of you and your family.
Firstly, make contact with the resident of the property you wish to move to. If all parties are happy to swap, you should then contact us.
A Radian tenant wishing to exchange should complete a mutual exchange form and return it to us at Radian, Collins House, Bishopstoke Road, Eastleigh, Hants SO50 6AD. If you would like us to send you a copy please contact our Customer Service Centre on 0300 123 1567.
The next step is for us to visit to both parties. If you are moving out of a Radian property, we will want to discuss the move generally with you and check the condition of your home.
If you are moving into a Radian home we will want to:
All being well, the next step is for landlords to exchange reports on the proposed moves, and for all parties to agree the date of the move. If for any reason the move is refused, you will be told why in writing.
Almost the last stage is the paperwork. You and the other parties to the exchange will need to arrange to meet with us to sign assignment documents. Legally this means the new tenants become party to the Tenancy Agreement and the outgoing residents give up their rights and responsibilities to the property. You will normally need to bring some proof of identity when you come to sign the paperwork.
We must give consent to an exchange unless one of a series of legal grounds for refusal apply:
Remember:
You must not offer to pay for someone to exchange with you. This is illegal and could cause both of you to lose your homes.
No, looking for an exchange will not affect your application for a transfer. It will, however, increase your chances of obtaining a move.
Yes, the advantage of mutual exchange is that the moves are not based on priority need, therefore giving all tenants the chance of an exchange.
We want to make the process for moving home as smooth as possible for you. From receipt of your application we must make a decision within 42 days about whether the exchange can proceed. This may appear to be a long time but in this time all parties will have needed to complete mutual exchange application and return to their landlord. The landlords will then all need to obtain references for the incoming tenants.