Canterbury area of East Kent Housing
How to Mutual Exchange in Canterbury?
Step 1: Getting started - advertising your home to others
To begin the process, you need to register and advertise your home to other social housing tenants through Exchange Locata.
Can I only use Exchange Locata?
No, you can use a number of different websites as well as advertising in local places near where you want to move or on Facebook.
Watch our film about how you can use Exchange Locata:
What happens after I register on Exchange Locata?
Provided you are eligible, your application will be approved and you will be given a unique reference number.
Your property details will be advertised on the website and you will be able to search for homes throughout the country.
Step 2: Applying to Mutually Exchange - when you find someone to swap with
Once you have found someone to swap homes with you will need to complete a ‘Mutual Exchange request' form and return it to your local housing office. As this is an important documents you may wish to send it by recorded delivery or to hand it in person to a local office and get a receipt.
Step 3: Processing your applications - what happens next?
When we receive all the completed application forms, we will check your tenancy file to ensure there are no breaches of your tenancy.
Please be aware that an exchange will not take place if you are in rent arrears. If you want to move but are in arrears please speak to your Neighbourhood Manager about your options.
We will then arrange for an inspection of your property. We will ask you to sign a letter which says you accept the property you are moving to in its current condition.
If you are moving to a home owned by another landlord we will provide a tenant reference to them 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.
