Mutual home exchange
This service provides lists of tenants wishing to move, either within the area or to other areas. Existing tenants can exchange their home with another tenant provided the landlord agrees the mutual exchange.
What is a mutual exchange? A mutual exchange is when two or more tenants who want to move from their current home swap homes, once they have the permission of all landlords involved. Given the shortage of available homes in Berwick-upon-Tweed, for many tenants this is their best prospect for moving.
How does it work?
- All council and registered social landlord tenants who ask to move will be automatically registered for the mutual exchange scheme
- In the housing office on Wallace Green we have wall mounted folders with the names and addresses of those who would like a mutual exchange.
- We will work with you to try to find a partner to swap homes with you
- If you are put in touch with a partner, neither of you is under an obligation to agree, nor will it affect your housing application if you refuse to swap
- Details of your home can be advertised. However, your personal details, your full address, and your contact details will not be published without your express permission.
If you would like to advertise your home for mutual exchange, please contact Kerry Nicoll, Housing Assistant.
How to contact us
Email kaw@berwick-upon-tweed.gov.uk
Telephone: 01289 301831
Write to: Kerry Nicoll
Property and Housing Services
Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Council
Wallace Green
Berwick-upon-Tweed
TD15 1ED
Use our on-line Request Form
Can your landlord say no to a mutual exchange?
Legally, we can only say no to your request to exchange for a limited number of reasons:
- That either tenant is moving to a home that is inadequate for their needs, e.g. on health grounds, or that it would be too small
- That either tenant is moving to a home that is substantially too large for their requirements. Your landlord will usually agree to your moving to a home that has one bedroom more than you need, but no bigger
- That there is a current order for possession made by the court in respect of any of the tenancies involved
- That any of the properties are adapted, sheltered, warden-controlled or is some type of special needs unit, and the tenant moving in to the property is not eligible for or does not need it
- That the accommodation is tied
- That the landlord is a charity and the proposed occupation would conflict with their aims
- That any of the tenants has been issued with a notice of seeking possession.
We may say that you cannot swap tenancies straightaway if, for example, you owe rent, or there are repairs needed to the property that you have to carry out. However, once these matters have been sorted out, we usually say yes.
We are obliged to tell you in writing the reasons why we are saying no to your request. You have a right to refer the decision to the county court if you disagree with it.
|
