There are lists in most Council and Housing Association offices of tenants wishing to move, either within the area or to other areas. If you find someone whose home you would like and they have seen your home and agreed they would like yours, you should ask your landlord to approve the exchange. It is very important that you do not move until you have your landlord's approval in writing and you should have signed the Assignment documents.
Your landlord has 42 days from the date your application is received to make a decision. An exchange may be refused if one of the tenants is in rent arrears or under notice to leave, if the properties are too big or too small for the family intending to occupy, or if one of the properties is designated for elderly or disabled persons. An exchange may also be refused if action has or is being taken against one of the tenants because of anti-social behaviour. If your request is refused, you have the right to appeal against the decision.
With a mutual exchange you will be asked to accept the property in the condition it has been left by the last tenant. The Council will carry out routine repairs in accordance with the Tenancy Agreement, but it will be your responsibility to repair any damage caused by the previous tenant.
If you do not live in Bournemouth you will need to contact the Local Authority for the area you live in.
If you are a tenant of Bournemouth Borough Council then you can submit your details on our mutual exchange register by completing the Bournemouth Mutual Exchange Form .
Your Housing Office will look at this form and contact you accordingly. To find out which is your Hosuing Office and who will be dealing with your request go to Tenancy Issues - Who we are and what we do.
Once you have agreed the exchange with another tenant of Bournemouth Borough Council or any other council or housing association, both tenants will need to complete the Bournemouth Application for Mutual Exchange of Tenancies.
Alternatively, contact us as below and we will send you the necessary forms.
We hope this information has been useful. If you require it in another language or format such as audio or large print, please contact us as follows:
Housing Landlord Services
Bournemouth Borough Council
Unit 4
Dalling Road
Poole
BH12 1DJ
Tel 01202 458331
Minicom: 01202 454728
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