How to exchange your home - Homefinder Somerset

What is the Homefinder Somerset Mutual Exchange Scheme?

This scheme helps you to help yourself to find alternative accommodation through a mutual agreement between two or more tenants.
If you are a Council or Housing Association tenant within the Homefinder Somerset area, and wish to move within this area, you can try to find another tenant to exchange with.

How do I find another tenant to exchange with?

Tenants need to find another tenant whose property suits them and who is interested in moving into their property. Both tenants should apply to their landlords for permission to exchange.

(Landlords will not allow the exchange if either household would severely overcrowd or under-occupy a property as a result.) The Landlords will ask you to ensure that any rent due is paid up-to-date before the exchange.

What do I do now?

For tenants across the homefinder somerset region - you can now apply for a mutual exchange on-line by visiting the Homefinder Somerset website.
The service allows tenants to register their property details and to view the details of other properties that are registered.
These will include properties registered by other landlords who join the scheme.
Anyone listed on our old manual mutual exchange system must re-register. New registrations are also welcome.

To register, please click on the above link to upload your advertisement.

You will need your unique reference number and pin number.

Once you have successfully submitted your mutual exchange details, this will then be approved by a housing officer, before being advertised. Please note this can take up to 5 working days.

Once approved, your mutual exchange details will then appear on the website for a maximum of 90 days for anyone who is interested in finding an exchange to view and hopefully then make contact with you.

If I find someone to exchange with, what do I do next?

All tenants involved must complete an application form available from the Council, stating that they wish to exchange, confirming that they have inspected each other's property and agreeing to accept the tenancy with the property in its present condition.
The Council and Partner Landlords will not incur any costs in the case of exchanges. Discuss any repairs with your Estates Officer before agreeing to exchange.

Do I need my landlord's permission to exchange?

Yes. Do not exchange without permission from the Council or your Housing Association Landlord.
Most landlords will give permission provided the following conditions are met:-

• All tenants involved must have a clear rent account and no Possession Order in Force against them.
• The property will not be overcrowded or substantially under occupied.
• The property is only suitable for a household with special needs, and the proposed new tenant has such a need.
• No fee or premium has passed between the tenants who are a party to the exchange.
• The prior written approval of Taunton Deane Borough Council or your Housing Association Landlord has been obtained before any move takes place.

With some Housing Association Landlords, where one tenant lives in a village, the other tenant may be asked to provide evidence of a connection with that village.

Some Partner Landlords have other restrictions on exchanges, and your own landlords will explain this to you.

A home visit will be arranged by your Landlord to ensure the above.
Housing Association and Council tenants have different types of tenancies. Your tenancy can be affected by an exchange, so you should check what type of tenancy you will be taking and what differences there may be.

If permission has been granted, you will be asked to sign an agreement to the effect that you are willing to accept the accommodation as it stands.
Should you decide to leave any carpets or curtain fittings etc., this should be agreed with your exchange partner, and all items being left must be clearly marked with a label "Do not remove". The Council or Housing Association Landlord cannot be held responsible for the loss or removal of any such items, or become involved in any dispute arising over this.

How long does the exchange take?

Your landlord should let you know within 42 days if permission is granted or refused, and a letter will be sent to you confirming the decision. Council tenants must give three clear weeks notice to Housing Services from the following Monday after the home visit.
Please note, once you have accepted an alternative property via an exchange, your Housing Register application will be cancelled, as it will be assumed, unless you advise otherwise, that your housing problem has been resolved.

Further information

The council exchange site (external link) is an independent website offering a free mutual exchange service. Their website covers almost every town in the UK and is free for tenants to use.