Below are some frequently asked questions about mutual exchanges, you can read the full document here.
What is a mutual exchange?
A Mutual Exchange is where you exchange your home with another Weaver Vale Housing Trust, Council or other Housing Association tenant. You take over the other person’s tenancy, under the same terms and conditions and they take over yours. You must have an assured or secure tenancy to be able to exchange.
How do I find someone to exchange with?
If you are a Weaver Vale Housing Trust tenant, you can register free of charge on Homeswapper
This is a national exchange data base for social housing tenants. It can help you search for possible swaps. You may also find an exchange by word of mouth or by advertising locally or through social media.
What happens if I find someone to exchange with?
- Make sure you view each other’s properties thoroughly and are happy to start the exchange process.
- Check with the person that they hold a full assured or secure tenancy and that there are no outstanding tenancy breaches or rent arrears which may impact on the exchange decision.
- Check that the property is of a suitable size for your household.
- Download the Mutual Exchange application forms (include them on this page) or contact lettings@wvht.co.uk to request copies of the form.
- All parties to the exchange will need to fill in a form. If the exchange involves a tenant from another landlord, you will also need to complete forms with them.
- Fill in the application form here and sign it.
- Send all forms to lettings@wvht.co.uk or post them to our offices: Rudheath Way, Gadbrook Park, Rudheath, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 7LL.
Please note that you should not make any arrangements to move until you are given permission in writing.
What happens when my completed exchange application is received?
When we receive all fully completed applications and any supporting information one of our Lettings Advisors will contact you to go through the process. We will give you a decision within 42 days of receiving all relevant information. We will:
- Check all applications to ensure that the properties meet the needs of each customer.
- Ensure all parties to the exchange hold a full assured or secure tenancy.
- Check for any rent arrears or legal action relating to your tenancy with Weaver Vale Housing Trust and obtain references if you are swapping with another social landlord tenant.
- Complete an affordability assessment if required. Our Lettings Advisors will inform you of this process. Please ensure you provide all requested information to assist with this process.
- Complete a property inspection of all Weaver Vale Housing Trust tenancies and confirm an appointment time with you. It is vital to provide access to allow this visit to be completed.
- Advise you if any outstanding damage, rechargeable works or alterations are identified following this visit and confirm what you will need to do to put this right prior to us granting any exchange permission.
- Ensure you are clear on any changes in rights and responsibilities contained in the tenancy agreement which you will be taking on after the exchange.
How will I know that my exchange request is approved?
Our Lettings Advisors will update you with the process and confirm the outcome of the application. If the exchange is refused you will receive clear reasons for refusal and have the opportunity to discuss these.
- We will liaise with you and any other parties to confirm a date for you to sign the legal documents. You cannot move until this paperwork is signed.
- We will need to ensure that gas and electric checks are completed for any Weaver Vale Housing Trust tenancies prior to the exchange taking place and will confirm an appointment with you.
- You will receive a formal offer before you move.
Moving day
- We will usually sign all legal paperwork with you on a Friday.
- Our Lettings Advisor will visit all Weaver Vale Housing Trust addresses to ensure that all rubbish has been removed and that any agreed actions have been completed prior to signing all paperwork.
- All parties to the exchange will sign a disclosure relating to any items left or responsibilities as you will be taking full responsibility for the property as it is seen at the time of signing the legal paperwork.
- If you refuse to sign this or do not agree with any of the items listed, the swap will NOT go ahead until they are rectified.
- You will need to pay rent in advance as outlined by our Lettings Advisor. You must ensure that rent payments are made prior to signing the paperwork.
- Once you have signed all the documents you will have officially exchanged homes. You can now make your arrangements to move house.
Contacting us
Our Lettings Team will guide you through the exchange process and you will be assigned a Lettings Advisor who will work closely with you. For any additional questions please contact lettings@wvht.co.uk
Please remember: – It is illegal to sign the exchange documents and not move.
