Mutual Exchange

If you fail to obtain permission prior to exchanging we could commence possession action against you. 

If you want to swap your council house or flat with someone else's house or flat, we call this a mutual exchange. You can swap locally with another Southend-on-Sea City Council tenant or nationally with other Housing Association or local council tenants. If you live in an adapted property, please see our advice at the bottom of this page.

 

You can advertise your home in the following ways...

  • At your local shop
  • In your local newspaper or in the local newspaper of the area you wish to move to.
  • Using the mutual exchange website: www.homeswapper.co.uk  home swapper logo
  • Via our internal mutual exchange process
  • You will need permission from us before you exchange properties.  
Apply for a mutual exchange

 

If you require any support in applying for a mutual exchange or would like to be added to the internal list, please contact the Housing Support Team on 0800 833 160 or via email  housingsupport@seh.southend.gov.uk 

 

Once your application to exchange has been received, we will:

  • Carry out a property inspection.
  • Check your property for adaptations and, if there are any, check to see if the incoming resident requires these (this may be a ground for refusal).
  • Ensure that the property is the right size for the incoming tenant i.e. that they won't be under/over occupying the property.
  • Check for any breaches in Tenancy Conditions (dependent on stage of the breach, this could be a ground for refusal).
  • Check what type of tenancy you have, you will not be able to mutual exchange if you or the person you wish to exchange with hold an introductory or non-secure tenancy.
  • Liaise with the other landlord if exchanging outside of South Essex Homes managed property. 
  • Write to you either agreeing or refusing the exchange (explaining our reasons for refusal).  We must do this within 42 days of us receiving application from all parties to exchange.
  • If the exchange is agreed then we will make arrangements for the deed of assignment (or, in the case of flexible tenancies, the surrender form and new tenancy agreement) to be signed.
  • Arrange electrical, gas and plumbing checks to be undertaken and ensure the property has a valid EPC certificate either before or on the day the assignment takes place.
  • Ensure you are aware of any implications regarding tenure, rent and service changes as a result of a mutual exchange.
  • Ensure that tenants are advised whether damp, mould and condensation have has been identified and details of any action taken by South Essex Homes.

Advice if you wish to mutually exchange your adapted property

One of the rights of secure tenants is to mutually exchange or swap their properties. This can be a great option for a tenant to move to a more suitable property and provides extra choice for residents. However, there are certain circumstances where SEH cannot agree a request to move. One of those reasons is;

  • if the property was adapted to suit the needs of the current household,
  • or the current tenant was allocated that property because of its adaptations
  • and if the exchange took place, no such person would be living there
  • Or if the property had adaptations when you moved in, regardless of whether you required them

If you are thinking of swapping your home and you live in an adapted property, you should consider the following;

Is my home adapted?

Typical adaptations include;

  • Wetroom/level access shower
  • Ramps to access the property
  • Stair lift
  • Through floor lift
  • Adapted kitchen
  • Widened door frames
  • Closomat toilet
  • Hoists

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list

Is the new home that I wish to move into suitable for my needs?

Does the new home have the same kind of adaptations that you currently have? If you did move into that property and it does not have adaptations designed for you or members of your household, would you be able to manage as your new landlord may not immediately be able to provide the adaptations you need.

Does the person that wants to move into your home need the adaptations that have been installed?

The landlord would need you to complete a referral for Occupational Therapy to help them make this decision. You may be asked to provide additional information from any health professionals that are involved.

Applying to swap your adapted home

If you decide to go ahead and make an application to swap your adapted property, you can either apply online using the form linked above on this webpage or by requesting a paper form via sehcustomerservices@seh.southend.gov.uk or by phoning 0800 833 160. You will also need to complete the referral form to Occupational Therapy as part of your application.