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Mutual Exchange

Mutual Exchange

The Mutual Exchange scheme offers participating tenants within the social housing sector, the option to exchange their properties with someone else who has a property that meets their location and size requirements. For a person to register for the scheme they need to upload their property details on to the system and they can then search for available properties.  Once they find a property in which they are interested, they then contact the other tenant directly to arrange a viewing.

Mutual Exchange properties will be advertised on the website.  The website will also give additional information relating to the advertisers property requirements.  Advertisers contact details are available to participating tenants, removing the need for a council or housing association to be involved at this stage. To register your property for mutual exchange login using your usual login reference number and select the My Mutual Exchange tab - if you don't have a refence number see below.

Who is eligible?

Anyone who is a tenant of the social housing sector is able to participate in the scheme providing they have met a number of specific criteria. Rules and regulations

All those who take part in the scheme must -

• be a tenant of a participating local authority or registered social landlord,
• have registered to participate with the Mutual Exchange scheme, and
• comply with the rules and regulations of the participating landlord.

If you are not currently on you council or housing association waiting list

You can still use this scheme if you are a council or housing association tenant but not register on their housing register. All you have to do if fill in a mutual exchange application by clicking here  and filling in your details. You will be given a reference number and can then log into the system and exchange your property like anyone else. Please be aware that anyone doing this will have their details checked by their local council or housing association and will not be allowed onto the system if they are not a council or housing association resident.

Please register with the organisation that is your landlord. That means if you are on the Havering housing register, but currently in a Newham council property you should not use your Havering housing register reference number to register on mutual exchange. Either use a Newham housing register number or use the mutual exchange application form above as if you weren't on any housing register.

Questions and Answers

What is the Mutual Exchange scheme?

A way of exchanging your home with other people within the social housing sector.

How will the Mutual Exchange scheme help those wanting to move to another location?

It allows people who want to move to a different property to consider exchanging with another tenant in social housing who has a property in a different location that better meets their needs.

Can anyone apply?

Yes, providing their landlord is taking part in the scheme, they are renting within the social housing sector and want to exchange their home.

How do I register?

Complete and submit a Mutual Exchange registration application, online, to take part in the scheme.

Will it cost me anything?

No. This is a free service to tenants of participating landlords.

How do I find out about possible exchanges?

Browse possible exchanges on the ELLC website to find a property that might be suitable for you in terms of location and bedroom requirements.

Can I search for a home without having to register?

Yes. However, if you are interested in a specific property and would like further details about it, including contact details, you will need to have registered.

When I register with Mutual Exchange, who will be able to see my full contact details?

Only the person, with whom you have decided to begin a mutual exchange, can see your contact details.

Can I add a photograph of my property?

Yes. You are able to upload images of your property and we hope that you do, as it makes it easier for people when considering which property to view. To do this simply go back to your mutual exchange page after you have registered the properties details and upload an image from your PC. We accept jpg, jpeg, png and pdf files.

How can I improve my chances of finding a suitable exchange property?

In order to increase the number of possible details of exchanges you receive, try and be as flexible and realistic in terms of potential bedroom size.  Also consider as many different areas as possible that could meet with your current needs.

Can I select multiple areas I want to live in?

Yes all you need to do is hold down the control key on your keyboard to select more than one area when selecting the areas you are interested in.

What if I want to change my registration or requirement details?

You can amend your registration details on the website. Login to the site and edit your details within the current details area. Please be aware that if you do this we will have to check your details again so other clients won't be able to see your details until we do this.

What happens during the Mutual Exchange process?

When a mutual exchange application is approved, it will show on the website as a mutual exchange advert. This will allow other tenants with active mutual exchange applications to Apply for your property.

Applying for a mutual exchange property registers your interest with the current tenant of the property allowing the current tenant to view your contact details.

You can see a shortlist of applicants who have applied for your property on the My Mutual Exchange tab in Your Account section when logged in.

It is your responsibility to contact those applicants on your shortlist who have expressed an interested in exchanging with you and with whom you would like to exchange. Once both of you have agreed an exchange, you should both Confirm that you wish to exchange on your shortlist page.

The exchange will then be passed to the relevant Local Authority/Housing Association for approval.

At this point you and the tenant, with whom you are proposing to exchange, should now contact your respective landlords to progress the Mutual Exchange further.

Please note that you should not exchange properties until your landlords have approved the exchange and completed the legal documentation.

How do I delete and remove my Mutual Exchange advert?

If you want to remove your property from the scheme, all you need to do is click on the Withdraw Advert button, which can be found on the front page of the Mutual Exchange area once you have logged in.  This will remove your property from all the lists of people who have initially expressed an interest in your property.

Can I be stopped from exchanging by my existing landlord?

A landlord can refuse to give you permission to exchange if the exchange does not comply with their Mutual Exchange rules. You should speak to your landlord further about this, once you have found a possible exchange (there are legal grounds that cover Mutual Exchanges detailed in the 1985 Housing Act)

Before you agree to exchange –

• Be aware of what is included in the tenancy i.e. services charges.
• Ensure you are able to comfortably afford the rent, if it is more than your current rent.
• Know the current arrangements for re-decorating the property i.e. is it the landlords responsibility and has worked already been scheduled?
• Be aware of any needed repairs or scheduled repairs due to happen in the near future.

Helpful tips and guidelines for viewing your and other peoples properties -

When viewing a property -

1. Arrange to see the property during daylight hours so you can get the best idea of how it looks.
2. Take precautions before going to view a property i.e. try and take friend or relative with you.
3. If you cannot take someone with you, tell a friend or relative where you are going and at what time.
4. Take a fully charged mobile phone with you.  You could also consider taking a personal alarm with you for increased personal safety.
5. If you feel uncomfortable during a viewing you should leave by making a polite excuse and suggest that you will come back or contact them to arrange another viewing, later.

If you are showing your home -

1. You should only give out non-personal information, relevant to the viewing.
2. It is a good idea to have a friend or relative with you when a person comes to view your home.
3. Ask the person coming to view your property, if they will be accompanied by someone and if so, ask for details.
4. Try and arrange for a friend or neighbour to drop by while the your house is being viewed.
5. Try to keep a mobile phone near-to-hand at all times during the viewing.
6. If at any point you do not feel comfortable or if you are uneasy, phone the friend or neighbour, who you have arranged to drop by, so that they come immediately.

Please note

Please be aware of the fact that it is illegal to accept any form of payment or other form of incentive when exchanging your property and could lead to you becoming homeless as a result of such action. 

The terms and conditions of the mutual exchange scheme state that you are required to take an exchange property in the condition, which the previous tenants leave it.  It is only the responsibly of your landlord to carry out scheduled repair and maintenance.  Therefore please leave the property, which you are leaving in the condition in which you would like to find your new property.

Completing the Mutual Exchange form on-line

You can register for the Mutual Exchange scheme on this website by -

• Selecting the My Mutual Exchange tab, on the My Account page when you first login, which provides a link to complete the online Mutual Exchange application.
• Clicking on the link will display the online Mutual Exchange form for completion.
• When the form has been completed, Your Account will show the Mutual Exchange reference number and the My Mutual Exchange tab will display a link to add an image of your property for use on the Mutual Exchange advert.
• OR if you don't have a housing register refernece number for the landlord of your property, clicking on the Mutual Exchange Application page in the left hand menu and filling in your details there.

Your application will need to be checked and approved by your landlord before it becomes active and the advert is displayed on the ChoiceHomes website.

All approved property adverts will feature on the ChoiceHomes website for up to 90 days.