Mutual Exchange
What is a Mutual Exchange?
A mutual exchange is where a tenant swaps their home with
another tenant. You can exchange homes with other tenants in
Kent through a website called Kent Homechoice.
Who can apply for a Mutual Exchange?
All Dover District Council tenants with a
secure tenancy have a right to exchange and we will not
unreasonably withhold permission. However, under Schedule 3
of the Housing Act 1985, there are grounds for refusing consent to
exchange.
Getting started
To begin the process, register your details on
the Kent Homechoice website. You need to provide details of
the property you currently live in, the type of property you wish
to move to and your contact details:
Provided you are eligible, your application will be approved and
you will be given a unique reference number. Please
note: if you are registered on the homechoice
transfer list, please use your current registration number.
Your property details will be advertised on the website and you
will be able to search for homes throughout the country.
Making the application to exchange
When you have found a person to exchange a property with, you
can download application forms from the website and apply to Dover
District Council as you will need permission from your landlord
before you can exchange. All parties wishing to exchange must
complete Dover District Council's application form.
- Application
Form - download the form, complete and return it to East Kent
Housing.
-
Medical Form (to be completed only if a member of the household has
a medical or special needs) - download the form, complete and
return it to East Kent Housing.
If you do not have access to a computer, please do not hesitate
to go to one of your Council's area offices where you can have
free use of the computer systems.
What happens next
When we receive all the completed application forms, we we will
check your your tenancy file to ensure there are no breaches of
your tenancy. An exchange will not take place if you
are in rent arrears
We will then arrange for an inspection of your property to
identify any defects at the property as these will become the
responsibility of the incoming tenant. Likewise, you
will be asked to sign a letter to accept the property you are
moving to in its current condition.
We will provide a tenant reference to the landlord of the
property you wish to move to , and will request a reference for
their tenant. Each landlord must consent to the exchange and you
must not move until you and your exchange partner have received
written permission.
After written consent has been given, you will need to agree a
date to move with the tenant and their landlord. A Deed of
Assignment will then be prepared and arrangements made for you and
the incoming tenant to sign the agreements before you move.
Contact
Tel: 01304 872253 or 01304 872201
Email: housing@dover.gov.uk