Mutual Exchange

Only Secure and Assured tenancy holders have the right to exchange, and you’ll find whether this right applies to you in your tenancy agreement with Moat. There are some reasons why we may not give permission for the exchange, so before completing the application form, you should ask yourself the following questions:

• Are there any rent arrears?
• Is the property you wish to move into the correct size for your current household? In some cases, we may allow one additional bedroom if this helps to maintain your tenancy.
• Does your current property have any adaptations, or is it part of a retirement or supported housing scheme?
• Is there a current court order for possession?
• Have any alterations or improvements been carried out to your property and, if so, do you have the correct permissions in place? 
• Do you have a starter tenancy? If so, you need to wait until it becomes Assured.

If you are unsure about the type of tenancy you hold, please get in contact with us on 0300 323 0011. 

The easiest way to find a suitable home to swap with is to sign up on House Exchange, the UK's leading not-for-profit mutual exchange service. The service has thousands of properties available across the UK, and as we are a partner, you are able to register, advertise your property and find a swap free of charge. To find out more, watch this video and visit their website www.houseexchange.org.uk.

You can also register with another large mutual exchange provider HomeSwapper - www.homeswapper.co.uk

When you have found someone to exchange with, all parties need to complete a mutual exchange application form. You can get the form by emailing us at customer@moat.co.uk or calling 0300 323 0011.

Please send your completed mutual exchange application form to: 
Address: Moat, Mariner House, Galleon Blvd, Crossways, Dartford DA2 6QE
Email: customer@moat.co.uk

Once we receive your form, we will schedule appointments with you to inspect your home and carry out gas and electricity tests. We will give you a final decision within 42 days (6 weeks) of receiving your completed application. Most exchanges take between 6-10 weeks to complete.

We also have to carry out a number of checks, including references for you and the person you wish to exchange with.

As part of mutual exchanges, each tenant must accept the home in its current condition. It is your responsibility to check the home you want to move to thoroughly, considering things like:

• Outstanding repairs and anything you will be expected to maintain or repair.
• The tenancy type and tenancy conditions that you will be taking over, along with the new rent or other service charges you will be responsible for paying. There may be differences to your existing tenancy, such as a ‘no pets’ rule.
• Whether it’s a lifelong or fixed-term tenancy (which is offered by some other housing providers). It is important that you find out how long the fixed period will be and check whether this arrangement is suitable for your household.

You should not make any plans to move until you have received written permission from both landlords.