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Transfers & Exchanges

Transferring to another WHA home 

WHA will no longer be offering general internal transfers.
From now on, transfers will only be considered where there is a clear and evidenced need for a change of address, known as a management move.

Tenants wishing to apply for a management move must have lived in their home for a minimum of 12 months before becoming eligible.

Tenants can still apply for a move through the mutual exchange route. WHA continues to support tenants who wish to swap their home with another social housing tenant through HomeSwapper, our approved mutual exchange platform. This option remains available to all eligible tenants who meet the conditions for exchange, and it may provide a quicker route to rehousing for those not eligible for a management move.

Tenancy Conduct Requirements

To register for a management move:

  • Your tenancy must be in good standing.
    Tenants who have breached their tenancy agreement will not be able to register.
    If a breach occurs after registration, the application will be suspended until the issue is resolved.
  • You must not owe any money to WHA.
    This includes:
    • rent arrears
    • recharges
    • court costs
    • housing benefit overpayments

All debts must be cleared in full before a move can be considered.

Possible Exceptions

We understand some situations are more complex. Exceptions may be made where:

  • your current home is creating financial hardship, for example:
    • you need to downsize
    • your housing benefit is restricted due to bedroom tax or the benefit cap
  • there is a confirmed need to move due to:
    • serious domestic abuse
    • anti‑social behaviour
    • harassment
      (Evidence and/or support from external agencies will be required.)

Each application will be assessed individually, and we will discuss our decision with you so you fully understand the outcome.

Relationship Breakdown

During a relationship breakdown, WHA will take a sympathetic and balanced approach. However, please be aware that it may not be possible to offer housing to both partners.

How to Apply for a Management Move

  1. Contact your Housing Officer in the first instance.
    Please provide:
    • evidence of your change in circumstances
    • details supporting your request
Exchanging you home

If you want to move you may also want to consider an exchange. This is where you swap your home with another tenant. If you do find another tenant to exchange with you will need our approval to go ahead and all parties will need to complete an Exchange Application Forms can be found in the Resource Library.

For more information on how to apply for a transfer or an exchange and how we will deal with your request please read the leaflets below.

HomeSwapper

HomeSwapper is the largest national mutual exchange service in the country for council and housing association tenants wanting to swap homes throughout the UK. We are now a member of Homeswapper which means that our tenants can register and search for exchanges for free.

Home Swapper
Resource Library

FAQs

What is a transfer?

A transfer is when you apply to move from your current social housing home to another property, usually because your circumstances have changed — for example, your home is too small, too large, or no longer suitable for your needs.

A mutual exchange is when you swap homes with another social housing tenant. Both tenants must agree to the swap, and both landlords must formally approve it before it can go ahead.

Eligibility for a transfer depends on your tenancy type, your rent account being up to date, and whether there are any breaches of your tenancy agreement. Priority may be given in certain circumstances, such as overcrowding, medical needs or under-occupation.

Transfer times vary depending on demand, availability of suitable homes and your level of priority. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee how long a move will take.

Yes. You must receive written permission from us before exchanging homes. Both landlords will carry out checks before granting approval.

In certain circumstances, permission can be refused — for example, if there are rent arrears, tenancy breaches, or if the property would become overcrowded or under-occupied under allocation rules. If permission is refused, we will explain the reasons in writing.

This depends on the type of move and your tenancy type. Some exchanges may result in a different form of tenancy agreement. We will explain this clearly before any move is agreed.

Tenants are usually responsible for their own removal costs unless there are exceptional circumstances. We can provide advice if needed.

Both tenants are responsible for ensuring their homes are in a suitable condition. We will inspect the property before approving the exchange.

Please contact us if you are considering a transfer or exchange. We are happy to talk through your options and explain the process.