➢ Moving House

TRANSFERS

You can ask for a move at any time. We will try and assist if your present home does not meet your housing needs. Some examples of why you may want to move are:

You need a larger or a smaller home; You or someone in your household has a disability or health condition which might affect the type of home you can live in; To receive support from a relative or provide support to a relative.

We may turn down your request for a transfer if you have rent arrears, outstanding debts or if you have breached your tenancy agreement.

To apply for a transfer, please contact our office and speak to one of our Housing Assistants or apply online at www.ayrshirehousing.org.uk using the HousingOnline tool.

MUTUAL EXCHANGES

You can apply to swap homes with:

Any tenant of Ayrshire Housing; A tenant of any council in the UK; A tenant of any other UK housing association or Registered Social Landlord (RSL).

To apply for a mutual exchange please visit our website www.ayrshirehousing.org.uk and go to HousingOnline or go direct to www.housingonline.org.uk/exchange.

When you have found a swap, both tenants must apply in writing to their landlord(s) by completing a Mutual Exchange Application Form. We will respond to you within 28 days.

We may turn down your request if:

You have rent arrears; You have breached your tenancy agreement; The move would result in your home being over-crowded or under-occupied; The tenant you wish to swap with has a poor tenancy record; Your home has been adapted for someone with special housing needs and the swap would mean there would be no-one living in the home with those needs.

Please note that you must accept the house in the condition you find it. We will not repair or redecorate if the damage was caused by the previous tenant unless there is a clear emergency repair which must be done.

ENDING YOUR TENANCY

If you would like to end your tenancy you must give us 28 days’ notice in writing. If you have a joint tenancy both tenants must sign the letter. We cannot accept a termination by phone.

We will write to you to confirm the date your tenancy ends and make an appointment to visit you in your home before you move out to check if it is in good condition and to let you know if you need to carry out any repairs or redecorate.

Remember that rent and service charges will continue to apply until the tenancy has ended and all keys are returned.

You have the right to withdraw your termination at any time within the 28-day notice period.

Your Moving Home Checklist

Ensure your rent is paid until the date your tenancy ends. Ensure your property is left clean, tidy and in good decorative order. Remember to take all personal belongings with you. Return all sets of keys to us when you leave your home. Advise Housing Benefit, DWP and Council Tax that you are moving out. Take final meter readings for gas and electricity and advise your supplier. Ensure your garden is left in a neat and tidy condition. Ensure any outstanding repairs have been carried out. Arrange for your gas cooker to be removed, if you have one. Terminate any TV, Phone or internet connections. Ensure your property is secure. Make sure you lock all the doors and windows when you leave.