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Council Housing Tenant Handbook

Moving Home

If you want to move to another property there are a number of different ways in which you can do this. In all cases you will be required to give four weeks' notice and must pay any outstanding balance on your rent or other charge accounts. Please see 'terminating your tenancy' on page 5 for further information.

Mutual exchange

If you want to move you could think about moving by mutual exchange. This means you will need to find another local authority or housing association tenant to swap properties with. You can go online to homeswapper.co.uk to find tenants who live locally and nationally and who want to move. It's free for you to register on this site.

Once you have found someone who would like to swap properties with you, you need to notify your neighbourhood officer. They will assess whether your application can be approved and will confirm in writing if consent is given. You cannot swap homes without getting our agreement.

You will not be able to move if you have an introductory tenancy or if you have any rent arrears. If you are considering applying for an exchange please make sure you clear any arrears first and that your home is in good condition. If you exchange your home with someone else please be aware that in exchanging you are agreeing to accept the property in its current condition, including all its fixtures and fittings. You will become responsible for any alterations or work carried out by the tenant you have exchanged with.

Choice based lettings

You can apply for another council or social housing property in Wiltshire using the Homes 4 Wiltshire scheme. This scheme is managed by the council, and by working in partnership with other housing organisations and associations we are able to provide a single housing register covering all of Wiltshire, except Swindon.

Once you have registered for the scheme you will be given a priority band according to your housing need and you will be able to bid for suitable properties as they become available.

The property listings are accessible in a number of ways;

  • Via the Homes 4 Wiltshire website: www.homes4wiltshire.co.uk (opens new window)
  • At your local Council Offices
  • At your local Library 
  • Some local shops and agencies have the property listings displayed.
  • You can request to have the listings emailed to you.

If you do not have access to any of the above, you can request a hard copy of the listings to be sent direct to your address each week.

You can register for the scheme, or request further information, by contacting the Home 4 Wiltshire team;

Tel: 0300 456 0104

Website: homes4wiltshire.co.uk (opens new window)

Email: housingadvice@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window)

Post: Homes 4 Wiltshire, County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 8JN

Downsizing to sheltered accommodation

Independent living with added support

Have you considered downsizing, but been put off by the name of sheltered accommodation or think that it is not for you? Sheltered accommodation has changed over the last few years and we no longer have wardens that manage our schemes. Our properties are aimed to offer independent living with the added benefits of some communal facilities and hard wired lifelines just in case.

For general information about any of our sheltered schemes please contact us:

Tel: 0300 456 0117 - option 4

Email: HSGMail@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window)

Write to us or visit us: Housing Management, Wiltshire Council, Council House, Bourne Hill, Salisbury SP1 3UZ

Moving home checklist

Rent and council tax

  • Have your first week's rental payment ready - this is due at sign up and will be explained in the offer letter.
  • Inform council tax of your new address.
  • Inform housing benefit and the department of work and pensions if applicable.

Utilities

  • Tell your existing supplier that you are moving gas/electricity/ water etc
  • Check you are getting the best rates by using an impartial comparison website
  • Take meter readings as you move out of your current property and when you move into your new property.

Redirection of mail/other services

  • Transfer TV licence by calling TV Licensing 0300 790 6131 or online at tvlicensing.co.uk (opens new window)
  • If you have contents insurance tell your provider that you are moving and arrange cover for your new address. If you do not have a policy we can help you arrange this through our tenant's insurance scheme.
  • Redirect mail - you can get a form at the Post Office.

Other

  • DVLA - vehicle registration and driving licence
  • Car insurance School/college/nursery
  • Bank/building society
  • Notify your doctor/dentist/ optician/hospital of your change of address
  • Just moved home?

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