Applying to move

Can I move to another property in the Doncaster area?

Yes, you can apply to move by completing an application form and being accepted onto the Housing Register. Your position on the Register is based on your level of need compared to others on the list. Ask for an application form at your Area Housing Office and see Transferring below. To widen your options to move you might ask to be considered for a local housing association tenancy as well or you might consider exchanging homes with another tenant. See Exchanging Homes below.

How long will I have to wait to move?

This will depend on the type of property and area you wish to move to and your level of housing need compared to others on the Housing Register. Only those with a really urgent housing need, such as strong social or medical reasons, are likely to move. See HOUSEHOLD CHANGES.

Can I exchange (swap) homes with someone else?

Yes. This is called a ‘mutual exchange’. The tenants involved need to apply in writing to their landlord(s) to get approval. See Exchanging Homes below. You are responsible for finding someone to exchange with. We hold a list of tenants in the area who are interested in exchanging. You can look at the list at your Area Housing Office. Ask to see the list. Exchanges are also often found by word of mouth or from notices in shop windows.

Are there special homes for older or disabled people?

We currently own and manage some Sheltered Housing schemes, specifically for the elderly. We can also nominate people for sheltered and specialist accommodation provided by local housing associations. We can advise you on how to apply. See INDEPENDENT LIVING.

Can I move to another part of the country?

You can apply to go on the Homes Mobility Scheme. Your chances of being offered a home will depend on your level of need and the availability of homes in the area. You can also apply to exchange homes with another tenant. We can tell you who to contact.

Transferring to Another Home

You can apply to transfer to another home owned by us. You need to fill out an application form.

When you have applied:

we may visit you and look at the condition of your home
we will award you points based on your level of need and put your name on the Housing Register.

When a suitable home becomes available for you we will:

check that you are up to date with your rent and other payments
check that the information you gave us when you first applied to transfer is still correct
check the condition of your present home again
discuss the whole process of transferring with you.

If your circumstances change at anytime, please let us know.

The Housing Register is reviewed regularly to check whether the information we have about the people on the list is still correct. We will send you a renewal form. If you do not return the form within 28 days we will assume that you no longer want to move and will remove you from the list.

Keeping your Rights

If you transfer to another home owned by us you keep all you rights, however, if you exchange with a tenant of another landlord you will probably become an Assured Tenant and your rights may change eg your right to buy your home. Contact your Area Housing Office. We can advise you.

Exchanging Homes (swapping)

You can exchange with another tenant of Doncaster Council or with a tenant of a housing association, or another council.

All tenants who wish to exchange must get approval in writing from their landlord(s) before they go ahead. They have to reply to your request within 42 days.

If you exchange without permission you can be made to move back. Also it is illegal to pay anyone to exchange tenancies. If you do so you could be made homeless.

Before giving approval each landlord will:

check that their property is in good condition
identify repairs that the tenants must do before leaving
check whether the tenant owes any rent.

Approval will usually be given, but not if:

a property is larger than necessary or is not big enough for the new tenant or has adaptations that the new tenant does not need
the other landlord is a trust or association that cannot allow the exchange
either tenant has breached their tenancy agreement
either landlord is in the process of legal action to make the tenant leave their home.

Before exchanging it is very important to look over the other property carefully because you have to accept it in the condition in which it is left and take responsibility for outstanding repairs or changes done to the home. The landlords will not carry out any extra repairs or redecoration once you move in.

Your Enquiry | Transferring to Another Home | Keeping your Rights | Exchanging Homes (swapping)

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APPLYING TO MOVE

Your Enquiry