An exchange may be refused if:
- either tenant has a Court Order ending their tenancy
- either tenant has legal action pending which may end their tenancy because of rent arrears, breach of tenancy conditions, neighbour nuisance or damage to the property
- either tenant has obtained the tenancy by deception or by paying someone to exchange with them
- the tenancy is unsuitable for the person(s) wishing to move or is significantly larger than they need
- the tenancy has special features not needed by the person(s) wishing to move (for example sheltered or adapted housing).
If there are rent arrears which have not yet led to a Court Order or Notice of Seeking Possession then we will usually give conditional approval for the exchange to take place after the arrears have been cleared. In exceptional circumstances we would consider allowing someone with rent arrears to exchange. We may also consider allowing a tenant to exchange with an owner-occupier or move into a property that is not as large as we think they need. These are all special cases that would have to be carefully considered.
All mutual exchange applications are managed through HomeSwapper. HomeSwapper gives you the ability to track your exchange via a customer dashboard where you can see the progress of your application.
If you have found an exchange partner(s) you will still need to complete an application form. You must not exchange properties with another tenant until you are notified that you can do so by the relevant landlord. You will need to log into your HomeSwapper account to complete the form.
Please note that both the incoming and outgoing tenant must submit their own application forms.
If you do not already have a HomeSwapper account, then please contact your Community Housing Officer by calling Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345. Your Community Housing Officer will send you an invitation to complete your application.
Please note: If you are already registered with HomeSwapper, you can apply directly to us through the HomeSwapper website. You do not need to contact your Community Housing Officer to send you an application.
If you need support to complete the application form please contact our Housing Support Team on 01384 812504.
Once all completed applications have been received (from both the incoming and outgoing tenant), we will confirm within 42 days whether the exchange can proceed. If all applications have not been received after 14 days, the application will be closed.
You can register with Home Swapper online.
