Before you exchange with another property

Before you exchange to a new property

You will take on the new property in the condition you find it, including:

• gardens
• sheds
• outbuildings
• fencing
• conservatories

You will be responsible for any non-standard items, such as:

• carpets
• vinyl or laminate flooring
• architraves
• skirting
• newel posts, banisters
• wooden panelling
• decking
• conservatory
• extra tiling to walls
• tenants own fitted kitchen or bathroom
• light fittings and switches

You will become responsible for any alterations, disrepair or damage caused by the previous tenant.

It's a good idea to visit the property a few times at different times of the day and night.

An exchange will be at no cost to the council.

You will also be required to pay a minimum of two weeks rent in advance. 

Inspections and repairs before you can exchange

Before you can exchange properties, a tenancy officer will have to visit your home to do an inspection. 

If there are any repairs or removals, you'll be sent a letter of what needs to be done. You'll be responsible for arranging any removals or repairs before the exchange can go ahead.

Repairs must be fixed before an exchange or confirmation in writing that the incoming tenant is accepting responsibility.

An exchange will not take place until all repairs are successfully completed.

If you know that things need doing, you should sort these out before you agree to a mutual exchange.

After repairs are completed

You can contact the tenancy officer again to do another inspection. However, if the incoming tenants are willing to take on these repairs this can be arranged by both parties with an agreement in writing.

You need to be careful when deciding whether to carry out an exchange because you will be accepting the property ‘as seen’. We will not carry out additional work or bring the property up to our usual lettable standard if it falls short of this.