Guide to Mutual Exchange

• All parties to the exchange submit their mutual exchange application to Cornerstone Housing.

• We acknowledge the applications in writing within 5 working days.

• We will exchange landlord references.

• We assess the applicants eligibility and send a ‘minded to’, letter advising whether you are able to proceed, within 3 weeks.

• We will book in a property inspection and advise of any work that needs completing before the move can be agreed.

• We will write to you with a decision within 42 days, explaining next steps.

• If refusing we will explain the reasons why, our appeals process and close your exchange.

• If proceeding we will arrange a property inspection with our residents and gas and electric safety checks where applicable.

• We will agree an exchange date with all parties. Including the agreement of any external landlord.

• We will arrange an appointment for you to sign the assignment or surrender and new tenancy.

• It is up to you to ensure you are ready for your move, to include arranging removals and swapping keys with your exchange partner

• Allow access for gas & electric safety checks.

• Attend the sign in/sign out appointment.

• Leave the property in a lettable standard.

• Ensure the property is clean and clear.

• Remove all rubbish from the property and the garden areas.

• Exchange all keys/fobs/garage keys with your exchange partner.

• Rent arrears or serious breaches of tenancy.

• Property would be overcrowded or under occupied.

• The home is specially adapted and the incoming tenant does not need it.

• Ongoing anti-social behaviour action.

• Court action or possession proceedings in progress.

• It is you’re responsibility as a tenant to return the property to our lettable standard before we will agree a move date with you.

• You take on the tenancy type and conditions of the property you move into as they are, (Cornerstone has no obligation to repair damage/remove items left behind by the previous resident.

• You may lose rights, such as the Right to Buy or lifetime security Rent levels, pets policy, and repair responsibilities may differ.

• Cut grass, tidy borders, and remove rubbish.

• Remove abandoned vehicles, scrap, and tenant-installed structures.

• Leave sheds and outbuildings empty.

• Remove all decking and restore ground underneath.

• Remove and make good any outdoor electrical sockets/outlets, (this will need to be completed by a qualified electrician and made safe).
  • You will need to supply us with an electrical certificate.

• Do not tamper with smoke/CO alarms.

• Leave heating and hot water systems safe.

• Gas & Electric safety checks will need to be completed before we agree an exchange date with you.

Any furniture, fixtures, or repairs left incomplete or not removed at the time you move in, means you will become responsible for rectifying this. It will be your responsibility to negotiate with the person you exchange with to put things right.

• Take meter readings (gas, electric, water).

• Redirect post and cancel deliveries.

• Sign over your tenancy by assignment or surrender and regrant, (we will advise which option applies).

• Swap Keys with your exchange partner and move into your new home.