Mutual Exchange

As an incentive to relocate to a smaller property and free up a larger Council home a grant of £1000 or equivalent in removal or decoration costs is available in certain circumstances. The relocation grant is for West Lothian Council tenants who are moving to:

• A property that is at least two bedroom sizes smaller than their previous property
• Sheltered, residential, housing with care or amenity housing. In this instance, tenants can move from any size of property
• The grant is £1000. WLC is entitled to deduct any money owed to us, such as rent arrears or other charges outstanding at the time of termination of tenancy from the grant awarded.

When the tenant is over 60 years old they qualify for the grant of £1000 plus removal and decoration costs.

Yes, it is possible, as long as you've made regular payments for at least the last three months, and your arrears are reducing. Speak to your Housing Officer who can assist with this.

Yes, existing Council tenants can apply for a mutual exchange. Tenants are permitted to swap with another secure tenant. This may be another tenant at the same council, or a tenant of another council or a Registered Social Landlord.
We will normally agree as long as:

• Both houses are the right size and type for the household
• Neither tenant owes rent or other debt to the council
• Both tenants have kept their house and garden to a reasonable standard and have conducted their tenancy properly

Yes, you can apply to exchange houses with a tenant of any Registered Social Landlord.

Yes - but you will need to contact the other local authority or housing association to apply for an exchange.

When you find someone to swap with you, you should:

• Contact them to make arrangements to visit each others' property.
• Inspect their property carefully. Make sure you are happy with the condition of the property as the council will not be responsible for any decoration needed or for carrying out repairs which are the tenants' responsibility.
• Following the viewing, if you decide to swap you must both follow your landlords mutual exchange process.
  • If you are a WLC tenant complete a Mutual Exchange Application.  If a tenant of another council or a Registered Social Landlord you should complete your landlords mutual exchange process.
• When completing the application form you need to provide the full details of the tenant you wish to exchange with, including;
  • Their name,
  • Date of birth,
  • A contact number,
  • Full address including post code,
  • Their landlord's name and address, and
  • Full details of anyone moving with them (full name / gender / date of birth / relationship i.e son/daughter etc)
• If you would like to discuss the mutual exchange service, please contact your local housing office on 01506 280000.

What happens next?

Once the Housing Officer has received the forms they will:

• Inspect both the properties to make sure they are in good condition.
• Check the size of the properties to make sure that no overcrowding/under-occupation will occur as a result of the swap.
• Check the rent account and that there are no other issues relating to the tenancy that would prohibit the swap.

If you wish to swap with a tenant of another landlord we will write to their landlord for this information. We will also give their landlord information about your tenancy.

How long will I have to wait before getting an answer?

• By law we must give you a decision within 28 days.
• If we agree to the swap, you and the other tenant will be advised in writing and will be asked to sign new tenancy agreements for your new properties. You must not move before you have done this.

Is there anything else that has to be done before I move?

Essential gas/electrical safety checks must also be carried out before an exchange can be carried out. Your Housing Officer will be able to provide you with further advice regarding safety checks and how these are arranged.

What if I am refused permission?

Permission cannot be refused without good reason.
We will not agree to the swap unless the property you want to move to suits your needs. We would refuse a mutual exchange if the accommodation is larger than that required by the proposed tenant and their family, or is not suitable for their need.
If you do not agree with our decision you have the right to appeal this in writing to the Housing Manager who will advise you of their decision within 14 days.