What is a mutual exchange?
If your current home no longer suits your needs, you can arrange to swap your home with another resident, provided both of you have permission from your respective landlord (you can swap with any other council or housing association resident anywhere in the country).
Why a mutual exchange?
Transferring to another Notting Hill Genesis property if your current home no longer meets your needs can be very difficult unless you have a very high priority and you are willing to be flexible. The waiting list for this can be years, so a mutual exchange is usually the best option.
You may also wish to downsize if you are living in a home that is larger than your needs or has adaptations that you don't require. We offer incentives to downsize, and mutual exchange is one way that you can do this.
How do I do it?
To arrange a mutual exchange, you'll need to find someone who wants to swap with you. You can find potential exchange partners on the following websites:
HomeSwapper
Exchange Locata
House Exchange
Gumtree
Loot
Please note: Only assured, secure and some assured shorthold tenants have the right to exchange. Please check your tenancy agreement to see if you have the right to exchange. If you do, you can swap with anyone living in a council or housing association accommodation subject to approval from both landlords.
How long will it take?
Once you have found someone that wants to swap with you, please submit 'Register your interest in mutual exchange' form. Once we’ve received your form, we'll verify the details of the resident you've lined up to exchange with and either approve or refuse within 42 days.
Do I get any financial incentive if I am downsizing?
Yes, we offer financial incentives if you are moving because your home is no longer suitable for your needs. This could be either due to occupation levels or because the property has been specially adapted and you no longer need those adaptations.
We will offer:
• A financial incentive of £1,000
• An additional £500 for each bedroom that is vacated
• A further £1,500 to pay for decorations/improvements, cookers, shelving, installing wardrobes, and
so on.
The maximum incentive offered will be £4,000 and, if you are under-occupying by more than one bedroom, you will have the choice of retaining one or two spare bedrooms.
The incentive is payable as long as at least one bedroom is being given up. For more information please contact your housing officer via My Account.
