Why don’t I have an ID number?
If you are a Waveney District Council tenant, once you have applied to the site, your ID number will be sent to you by email or in the post (if you do not have an email address). This takes a few days.
If you are not a Waveney District Council tenant, your details will have been transferred either to your current landlord or to House Exchange Direct and they will be contacting you in this respect.
What are the benefits of me registering
By registering with House Exchange you will gain access to all of the search options and contact details of the properties already registered with the web site. You can update, amend or remove your details your details at any time .
What size property can I have?
When we offer properties through the Housing Register we only offer the size of the property that you need to house everyone who lives with you on a permanent basis. However with House Exchange we will agree to the exchange if the property is the correct size or that you will have one spare bedroom,(not all landlords will do this so you may need to check their policy). We will not agree to an exchange where you would be overcrowded.
Why can’t I do a search?
If you have only recently applied to the site, or have already applied and recently amended your details, these have to be checked before your account is changed to a ‘live’ status. We will confirm this to you by email or post; it will take a few days.
Why can’t I see other people’s details?
It may be that your account is in a pending state, see ‘Why can’t I do a search?’
Help, I have forgotten my ID number/password
You should keep a note of your ID number in a safe place. However, should you forget these details please contact us by email or by phone and we will send you a reminder.
My ID number/password is not working.
Check that you are inputting the correct information. Passwords are case-sensitive. If you have not accessed your account for six months or more your details will have been deleted and you will have to reapply. See ‘Why am I no longer registered?’
I don't have access to a computer, can I still register?
If you don't have a computer you can get a friend or member of your family to register you and to do online searches. Alternatively you can use a public access computer such as in your local libary or internet cafe. If you cannot access the internet you can fill in a paper application form or give us your details over the phone and we can add your details for you. We will also send you details of any matches upon request.
What happens when I find a suitable match?
Whilst we will try and process your application quickly this process does take time to complete. You will need to be realistic about the time it will take for you to be able to move. Once you have informed us in writing that you want the exchange to go ahead we will confirm within 42 days if the exchange can proceed.
We will need to inspect your property and you will be asked to put right any damage BEFORE the exchange goes ahead. Your rent account will need to be up to date. The landlord of the other property will do the same and both landlords will then exchange reports.
If the exchange is agreed we will contact you to agree a convenient date to move. We will only refuse an exchange in limited circumstances and will give you clear reasons why.
What can I do if I am unhappy with the way my exchange is being dealt with?
We hope that everything will go smoothly but if you are unhappy with the way your exchange is being handled you should firstly speak to the Housing Officer concerned. If you are still unhappy then you should pursue your complaint through our complaints procedure.
What is a three way exchange?
A three way exchange is useful where you have found someone to swap with but they don’t want to move in to your property. If you can find someone to complete the loop this is what is know as a three way swap. To search for a possible three way swap you will first need to register.
What about my Right to Buy?
Not all tenancies have the Right to Buy so before you exchange you should check with the landlord. If you move into a Local Authority property (where the current tenant has the right to buy) - you will probably obtain that right. If you move into a Housing Association property you will probably not obtain that right.
Why am I am no longer registered?
Your application will be automatically deleted if you do not use the web site for 6 months. If you are still interested in searching for a match then you will have to re register. It is important to keep the database up to date with applicants that are keen to swap and this is one of the best ways to do this
How do I know this information is accurate?
Applicants supply their own information and we are unable to verify that they are correct. House Exchange accepts no liability for any incorrect details contained on the House Exchange website. We strongly recommend that you personally check all details before any mutual exchange takes place.
What about joint tenancies?
In order to complete a mutual exchange when you have a joint tenancy, both tenants will have to agree to an exchange taking place, as both will have to sign the deed of assignment.