There are two ways secure tenants can change their property – through a transfer or through an exchange.

a) Transfers

You will need to fill in an application form to go on our transfer list. You can get the form from the housing reception desk. We will assess how desperately you need to move and place you in an appropriate band on the transfer list. Those with the most urgent need will be placed in the highest band.

You can contact the Housing Needs Team on 01793 445503.

See Swindon HomeBid and Applying for Accommodation for more information.

If you accept a home offered to you, we will give you specific details of what you must do, but some guidelines are given below. You must move out of your present home within a set time.

• You must give the keys to your old home to Swindon Direct at Wat Tyler House. (We will give you a receipt.)
• You must continue to pay rent until we receive the keys.
• If you have moved out, you will no longer receive Housing Benefit.
• You must leave your home clean and tidy and in a reasonable state of repair. (If not, we may charge you for any work we have to do.)
• We may do minor repairs to your new home after you have moved in.
• You might also receive a paint allowance to help you decorate.
• You must make sure you put the property back to its original condition, if you have done any alterations without our permission or which we told you would have to be removed at the end of your tenancy. (If not, we may charge you for any work we have to do.)

b) Exchanges

An exchange is when you and another tenant agree to swap homes. If you want to swap homes with another tenant, the first thing you must do is put your name on our transfer list. You can get a form for this from the housing reception desk. To find someone to swap homes with you can use our ‘Touchfax’ screen. This screen, in the housing reception area of Wat Tyler House East, contains details of all tenants, both within and outside the borough, who want an exchange.

When you find someone to swap with, you and the other tenant must both fill in a ‘Permission to arrange a deed of assignment (Exchange)’ form, which you can get from the housing reception desk.

You must meet the following conditions before an exchange can take place.

• Your rent must be up to date.
• You must not have broken any of the conditions of your tenancy agreement.
• You must have our written permission for the exchange.
• You must have inspected the property you want to move into.
• You must have read and signed the building surveyor’s reports on the property you are leaving and the one you are moving into.

When you have met all the conditions, you and the other tenant must sign a deed of assignment. This makes the exchange legally binding.

You will then be responsible for the property you are moving into.

c) Other schemes available

There are national schemes that we have joined to help people move to other parts of the country for certain reasons such as being closer to family or workplaces.