Home swaps - spring is the perfect time for a fresh start | Tenant news

When most of us think of spring, we picture warmer weather, new growth and greener pastures – it’s a time when many people decide to make a move or take part in a mutual exchange.

If you’re thinking about moving or swapping your Habinteg home, knowing what steps to take will help make the process smoother and more manageable.

Mutual exchange

A mutual exchange is when you swap your home with another Habinteg, council or housing association tenant.

You must have the legal right to apply, find a suitable swap partner, get written permission from both landlords, and complete all necessary paperwork. Swapping without permission can put both tenants at risk of eviction.

Transfers to a different local authority or housing association property need to follow the home’s local authority’s process and may require evidence of a local connection.

Helpful resources include the mutual exchange guide and the House Exchange website, where you can register, search for potential swaps, and submit applications online.

You can also read our mutual exchange guide to find useful information on the application and exchange process.

Moving within Habinteg

Tenants can also request a transfer to another Habinteg property. Internal transfers usually require a minimum of 12 months’ tenancy, a clear rent account, a good standard of property maintenance, and no history of anti-social behaviour.

Applications are assessed on the availability of homes and priority.

To request a transfer, complete the application form on our website. Once your transfer is approved, we’ll make sure your new home is ready for you, with secure doors and windows and functional kitchens and bathrooms.

Gardens and outside areas will be cleared, and safety checks, including smoke alarms and gas inspections, will be completed so you can settle in with peace of mind.

Ending your tenancy

If you do decide to end your Habinteg tenancy, you must give us at least 28 days’ written notice.

You can email or hand-deliver your Notice of tenancy termination form to your Neighbourhood Coordinator.

Please make we have your new address so that your rent account and other details can be updated.

Before you leave, a member of the neighbourhood team will inspect the property to check its condition for repairs or damage, and any cleaning that’s needed may be recharged to the departing tenants.

Before the tenancy end date you will need to clear any rent that is owing and return your keys, and of course anyone who had been living with you must also vacate the property.

For more information, visit our website at www.habinteg.org.uk/moving-home.

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