Mutual exchange
All secure tenants have a legal right to swap homes with another secure or assured tenant, either in Waltham Forest or elsewhere in the UK. If you do want to exchange your property with another tenant, you must have approval from the council and any other landlord involved before you make any arrangements to move. In most cases the Council will give approval. However, the council can refuse approve the move if:
- you owe the council rent arrears
- we have served you with a notice seeking possession of your home
- we have a court order against you
- the property is larger than you currently need (we will normally allow one bedroom more than your assessed housing need)
- the property is smaller than you need, we will normally agree a small degree of overcrowding, or
- the property is not suitable for your needs – that is, it has been specially adapted for use by a person with disabilities.
It is illegal for you to offer or to receive money or gifts to swap homes. If this happens, the council will refuse to allow you to exchange your home and may take court action against you.
You can register on the national Homeswap Scheme to find someone to exchange your home with. Lists of all Homeswap applicants registered for a move both within and into the borough are available for public viewing at most local housing offices.
For more information, please call the council’s Allocation, Choice & Mobility Team on 020 8496 6517, 020 8496 6494, 020 8496 6500 or 020 8496 6459 or e-mail allocations.housing@hsg.lbwf.gov.uk