Apply to mutual exchange
You may be able to mutually exchange or ‘swap’ homes with another Cornerstone tenant or with a tenant from another Registered Social Landlord or Council (subject to certain conditions). To find an exchange partner you can register with https://www.houseexchange.org.uk/. Once you have found a swap all parties will need to apply to all landlords involved. The process from application to a decision on the exchange can take up to six weeks.
The process may take several weeks to complete and it is important that you do not make any arrangements to move until you receive written confirmation from both Cornerstone and the other Landlord that the exchange can proceed.
We will not unreasonably refuse an exchange and we will aim to give a decision whether the exchange can proceed within 42 days (6 weeks) of the request being made. This time will start when we have received completed forms from both you and your exchange partner.
Both the outgoing and incoming tenant will be required to sign a legal agreement before the mutual exchange is valid.
If Cornerstone refuses an exchange, we will cite the relevant grounds and put this in writing to our tenant.
How to start the process
Please email mail@cornerstonehousing.net or write to us with the names/addresses of all parties involved and we will send all the paperwork to you.
Mutual Exchange Process
- Both parties (or multiple parties if more than one swap is happening) need to complete the following forms.
– Cornerstone tenant to complete the following form
- Applicant 1 form
– Incoming applicant(s) to complete the following two forms (Please note that Incoming applicant will also need to pay a month’s rent in advance prior to the new tenancy start date, if the exchange is accepted.)
- Applicant 2 form
- Budget Planner
2. All parties to send the completed forms to Cornerstone House, Western Way, Exeter, EX1 1AL
Under no circumstances must you proceed with the move until you have written authorisation from Cornerstone. If there is any reason to refuse the exchange Cornerstone will aim to advise you of the reason within six weeks from the date of your application. This time will start when we have received completed forms from both you and your exchange partner.
3. A property exchange inspection will be arranged with one of our Housing Officers.
4. References will be sent for outgoing tenant and requested for incoming tenant.
5. Once the above has been completed we will let you know our decision.
House Exchange
House Exchange is a service which brings people together who are interested in swapping their homes.
Enter your details at www.houseexchange.org.uk and the site will match you up with other would-be-swappers. The website helps you to search, find matches and contact other council or housing association residents who want to swap their homes. There’s also a free House Exchange App available on the Apple App and Google Play stores.
Important things to consider:
Add photos: You can have up to 25 photos of your property on your advert, this increases your chances of finding a swap, allowing fellow users to see throughout your home. As a result of this, make sure each room looks its best in the pictures.
Include a description: House Exchange has a tool that allows you to create a description by selecting options that apply to your home, or if you prefer, get creative and write your own. You can find both these options in the ‘Update my advert’ area where you can also add key features such as a garden or balcony. The more detail you add to your description the more your advert will stand out.
