Mutual exchange scheme
Join the Scheme - Apply Online to Register Your Property
List of all properties for mutual exchange
You can also download the form and fill the details and send back to us if you prefer.
As a tenant, you may be interested in moving to a new area or to a more suitable home if yours is too big or too small.
If another tenant lives in the kind of home you’d like and they would prefer to live in your home, you may be able to swap.
Dartford Council runs a Mutual Exchange Scheme to help tenants who might not qualify for a transfer and helps us to make the best use of our properties.
Tenants of the Council and housing associations have the right to carry out a Mutual Exchange which the landlord cannot reasonably refuse, subject to certain grounds contained in the Housing Act 1985.
This means that with the approval of both landlords, tenants may swap properties to meet their housing need.
What is a ‘Mutual Exchange’?
A mutual exchange happens when two tenants decide to swap tenancies (or when three or more tenants decide to move round in a ‘chain’) and means that you take over the other party’s tenancy with any rights or limitations that go with it.This must be with the agreement of their landlords and it never involves an empty property.
Do I have to be a Dartford Council tenant and swap with a Dartford Council tenant?
No, the scheme also works for tenants of housing associations. However, you should be aware that you would give up your secured tenancy rights if you move to a non-council landlord.
How can I find another tenant to arrange a Mutual Exchange?
You need to find your own exchange but here are a number of ways you can look:
- Check the Mutual Exchange Register via the self service PC's in reception at the Civic Centre and a housing advisor will assist them if they need help.
- Register your own property on the Mutual Exchange list
- Advertise in local newspapers or shop windows
- Ask friends and relatives if they know of any tenants interested in an exchange
I have found someone to exchange with, what do I do next?
Having agreed between themselves, each tenant should apply to their landlord for permission to exchange. If you are a Dartford Council tenant, you can pick up an application form at the Civic Centre.
What should I do with the application form?
Complete the form and take it, with your rent card, to the Civic Centre.
What happens now?
Your landlord has a maximum of 6 weeks (42 days) in which to agree or refuse your exchange. First, we will arrange with you for your Housing Officer to visit and inspect your current home and tell you about any repairs that need to be done before your exchange.
The inspection is because each property must be ready for the new tenant to move in to, without any outstanding repairs, and because each new tenant must accept their home in its existing condition. In other words, your old home must be left in the same state as you would expect to find your new home.
Does that mean I need to inspect my new home myself?
Yes, you should still inspect your new home carefully yourself before deciding to make your exchange – because you must accept the property in its present condition if you go ahead. Anyway, you will want to make sure it’s really right for you!
When can I move?
You MUST NOT make any arrangements for your exchange until you have received notification IN WRITING that the exchange has been agreed by the landlord. If two landlords are involved, you will need letters from both. When you do get the letter(s), come to the Civic Centre and sign your Deed of Assignment for your new home. Then you can move!
Do I have to pay for removal costs?
Yes, tenants going ahead with a mutual exchange pay all their own removal costs and incidental expenses.
You should never accept any offer of a payment or inducement to carry out an exchange as this is illegal and could lead to you losing your home.
Please note that tenants moving by Mutual Exchange do not qualify for the Council’s Downsize for Cash.
You can view the Online Register of Households seeking a Mutual Exchange in the Dartford Area or visit the Civic Centre you can access the Mutual Exchange Register via the self service PC's in reception and a housing advisor will assist them if they need help.
