Transfers, managed letting and mutual exchange

Transferring and managed lettings

Occasionally our customers may transfer from one of our properties to another, the process for this would be either an Internal Transfer or Managed Let.

Transferring to another Connect home

If you’re already a Connect customer and would like to move to another Connect property, you can apply for any suitable homes we advertise.

Most of our available homes are advertised through your local Council’s Choice Based Lettings (CBL) scheme or on Rightmove. You must apply for these properties directly through the advertising website.

All applications are assessed in line with our Allocations Policy and Procedure. Priority is given to applicants with the greatest housing need.

We do not keep an internal transfer waiting list, so it’s important to:

• Check your local Choice Based Lettings (CBL) website regularly.
• Check Rightmove and other online property websites for available homes.
• Register for Rightmove property alerts so you’re notified when suitable homes become available.

We also recommend that you:

• Register with your local authority’s housing register.
• Consider a mutual exchange if you’re looking to move.

When we may not approve a transfer

We would not normally consider a transfer request if you or anyone in your household:

• Has rent arrears.
• Has been a Connect tenant for less than 12 months.
• Has a history of anti-social behaviour.
• Is subject to ongoing legal action relating to their tenancy.
• Has not kept their home or garden in an acceptable condition.

Before any transfer is approved, we will carry out a full inspection of your current home.

Managed Lets

If you have an urgent need to move immediately, you may be considered for a Managed Let.

A Managed Let is when a property is offered directly to someone without being advertised. These are only used in exceptional circumstances and are very rare.

A Managed Let is usually requested by a Connect colleague, such as a Housing Officer or Rent Account Officer, who is supporting the customer. Requests are considered by a panel every month, or sooner if the situation is particularly urgent.

Being approved for a Managed Let does not guarantee that a suitable property will be available straight away.
If you are offered a property through a Managed Let, you will normally receive one suitable offer. If you unreasonably refuse that offer, we will not usually make another one.

When a Managed Let may be considered

Examples of situations where a Managed Let may be appropriate include:

• Domestic abuse.
• A serious and ongoing threat to your safety.
• Witness protection.
• Major works that mean you cannot remain in your home.
• Exceptional medical needs that require an urgent move.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with us at 0300 5000 600 or on our contact page. 

Mutual exchange of homes

This is where you and another tenant agree to swap homes. You can apply to swap your home with tenants of any other housing association or local authority in any part of England.

Register with HomeSwapper

Whether you’re starting a new job, need more space, experiencing a family change, or looking to downsize, a mutual exchange could be the perfect solution.

With thousands of properties listed across the UK, we have partnered with the external mutual exchange website, HomeSwapper, helping to make it quick and simple to find your next home.

Before you get started you will need to register. To be eligible for a mutual exchange you must have a secure tenancy agreement.

We cannot accept an application/registration if you have any type of notice served against you for rent arrears or anti-social behaviour, but you can re-apply once any notices have expired.

We can accept a registration if you are currently in rent arrears, but the rent account must be at zero on the date of the exchange taking place.

Once your registration is complete, then you will be able to start your search.

How do I get started?

The first step in the process is to work out what type of person you want to advertise your home to. For example, if you have a family home focus on space, local schools, parks, etc. This will help you market your home.

Try to include anything that makes your home stand out from the rest and attracts the kind of tenant you are marketing to. It could be anything from a private garden or parking space to its proximity to local amenities such as shops. Make sure you highlight it in the description fields!

When it comes to writing a description for your property, try to strike the right balance between engaging and informative. Provide as much detail as you can about the property, including key features and the local area.

It’s best to start with a shorter paragraph describing the property as a whole, focusing on the property’s best bits. Then follow this up with more detail on features, rooms and outside areas. Try to include any other important details such as if services (gardening, cleaning, etc) or bills are included.

Should I use photographs?

Photographs are probably the most important factor when it comes to advertising your property. Be sure to include photos of each room, the exterior and any outdoor areas, paying attention to special features.

Try to take the photos on a sunny day or during natural light to show your property at its best and ensure everything is clean, tidy and uncluttered.

First impressions count, and the images you provide will be make or break for many.

Respond quickly!

Once you get an enquiry from a potential swap reply as quickly as you can. A swift reply will give a good impression and hopefully secure a swap as quickly as possible.

Need more help or guidance

The help section on the HomeSwapper website has sections with advice, videos and help for any questions you might have, from taking photos to carrying out viewings.

Of course, if you have any questions or need any help with the process at all, you can contact us on 0300 5000 600 and we’ll help to guide you through the process.

Can I exchange?

As long as you’ve had a tenancy with us for longer than 12 months and you’re a social housing tenant, then you’ll be eligible.

There are some reasons why Connect, or another landlord involved in the mutual exchange, could refuse it to take place. It’s also worth bearing in mind that we will ask you to ensure your rent account is not in arrears before an exchange can complete.

Please do contact us though if you are worried about this or anything else to do with the process and we will do our very best to provide answers and solutions wherever we can.

We recommend you get registered with your local authority if you want to swap your home. You can find more information about their mutual exchange schemes here: