Many residents find that at some stage they need to move to a new home. This may be because their current home is too big or too small for their needs because they have medical, personal or social reason for a move.

There are a number of schemes available that may help you move and we will assist you in the process wherever we can.  The schemes are:

• Transfers

• Mutual Exchanges

• HOMES MOBILITY

• HOMESWAP

What is a transfer?

A transfer is when you move from your current home to another property owned by Lambeth Council or another Registered Social Landlord.

How do I apply for a transfer?

You will need to complete a transfer application form.  These are available from the estate office. 

What happens after I complete a transfer form?

You must return it to the estate office.  If you contact the estate office we will arrange to collect the form from your home.  Transfer applications are assessed on a priority need basis and points are awarded. The points system reflects circumstances affecting your needs, such as medical needs, under and over-occupancy as well as other 'special' factors. In order to have your transfer application registered you must:

• Have a clear rent account

• Make good any alterations you have done

• Ensure you still have your Security of Tenure

Once your application has been registered for a transfer, we will send you a confirmation letter.  Residents in rent arrears will be registered for a transfer, but will not have their application authorized.  If you wish to check on the progress of your transfer, we can you send you a points and prospects letter. A points and prospects letter provides applicants with an estimated waiting time for a move in years.  Please contact the estate office for further details. Providing you have not breached any of your tenancy conditions, we will aim to register (but not necessary authorise) transfer applications with 10 working days of it being received. Unfortunately Lambeth does not offer Choice Based Lettings’ (CBL), whereby residents seeking a transfer are able to ‘bid’ for vacant properties.  Lambeth are however, in discussions to introduced CBL by November 2007, please contact the estate offer for more details concerning CBL or visit HomeConnections

Unfortunately, we are unable to assess homeless applicants for re-housing. To have your housing needs assessed, please contact Lambeth Homeless Person’s unit on 020 7926 6000or visit London Borough of Lambeth  

What if I want to move out of the area?   

You need to ensure you are registered for a transfer plus complete a HOMES Mobility and/or HOMESWAP form. 

How does Homes Mobility work?

You will be able to move through the HOMES MOBILITY scheme if:

• You are taking employment which is too far to travel everyday

• You need to be closer to relatives or friends so that they can support you or you can provide support.

• There are pressing reasons such as domestic violence or harassment

How does HOMESWAP work?

HOMES run a national mutual exchange scheme called HOMESWAP.  It helps tenants to move locally as well as nationally. 

You may return both the HOMESMOBILITY and HOMESWAP forms to the estate office and we will forward them on to the respective agency.

What is a mutual exchange?

A mutual exchange is when you ‘swap’ your home with another tenant. 

How can I apply for a mutual exchange?

You can arrange to do a mutual exchange yourself.  You may for example, wish to swap properties with a family member or a friend.  Alternatively, you can

• Advertise in the local newspaper

• Place an advert in the estate office or in one of our estate notice boards

• Place your detail’s on a mutual exchange register

• Register with the HOMESWAP scheme

For further information, click the link below:

 ExchangeYourHome

What happens next?

When you have found a suitable exchange partner you will be required to complete a mutual exchange form,  these are available from reception.  Once we receive your completed form, we have 42 days in which to let you know if we accept your request. 

A member of staff will visit you at home to discuss your form request and to complete a tenancy report.  After we have completed our report, we will notify you of our decision in writing.

Both you and the other tenant involved will need to sign a deed of assignment prepared by us.  This passes on your tenancies to each other, so that you accept the terms and conditions of the other tenancy.

Can permission to exchange be refused?

Yes. We can withhold permission for you to carry out a mutual exchange when:

• The properties would be overcrowded or substantially under-occupied

• One of the properties is unsuitable i.e. sheltered accommodation or adapted for people with disabilities.

• A resident is subject to a Notice of Seeking Possession being served or a valid Court Order

Condition may be granted if:

• You agree to clear all your rent arrears

• Make good any repairs or improvements to our satisfaction.