From 30 September 2024, we are making some changes to our process for Mutual Exchanges.

We haven’t updated our Mutual Exchange process for quite some time but recent changes in the law mean we need to make sure we are doing this right. Most of the changes will be with our internal processes, however there are a couple of important changes that will effect our customers. The main points are:-

• In order to apply your rent account must be clear before you fill in your application form. 
• You must have written permission for all alterations you have made to your home before you apply – if you haven’t got or can’t find this, you must contact us before  applying and we will help you to go through the process of getting permission. Its important to note that if you have made alterations to your home without permission, you may be asked to return these to their original.
• Additional gas and electric checks have to be completed when a mutual exchange takes place and from 30 September 2024 we will be charging for these. The cost for this will be £100 for the electric check and £50 for the gas test and this will need to be paid for before the tests can take place.
• All Community Housing tenants will need to pay rent upfront when moving into a new property – regardless of benefit entitlement. This will need to be paid when the tenancy assignment takes place, as with all new sign ups.

Why are we charging?
Standard compliance tests are the responsibility of Community Housing and by law must take place every year for gas and smoke detectors, and every 5 years for electricity. Due to Health and Safety Laws, when a home changes hands, we have to complete these extra checks (in addition to the usual schedule) to make sure the property is safe for the customer moving in. As these tests are extra to the usual schedule, we need to charge for these in the same way that other organisations do.

Why are we charging?
Standard compliance tests are our responsibility and by law must take place every year for gas and smoke detectors and every 5 years for electricity. Due to Health and Safety Laws, when a home changes hands, we have to complete these extra checks (in addition to the usual schedule) to make sure the property is safe for the customer moving in. As these tests are extra to the usual schedule, we need to charge for these in the same way that other organisations do. 

Why are we taking rent “up front”?
This is happening with all housing providers and at all points that a customer moves into one of our properties.

How do I start a mutual exchange?
You can register on www.homeswapper.co.uk to help you find an exchange partner. Once you have found someone to exchange with you can download an application form from our website or call in to our office at Foley Grove to collect them. It is important that everyone who currently lives in a Community Housing property completes an application form and returns them to us as soon as possible. The work to look at your exchange application cannot start until we receive all the applications needed.

If you have any questions, please contact us on 0300 003 5454 or email: information@communityhousing.co.uk

Please send any completed applications to our Home Moves team at homemoves@communityhousing.co.uk