Mutual exchange, tenant has died.

Dan951

Hi all, i was due to sign the deeds for my mutual exchange but unfortunately and sadly the tenant i was due to swap with passed away, the swap was only 10 minutes up the road from me and was still with my current housing association, they have said I wont be considered for the property as it goes back to the council, is there anything that can be done? after 3 years of searching and being days away from this happening its not pleasant. Anyone had anything similar happen? What was the outcome, were you able to move? Im desperate by this point.

AdrianC

Well, you can't swap with a corpse...

I'm surprised the HA aren't allowing you to go through, but ultimately it's their decision.

G_M

Dan951 wrote: »

Hi all, i was due to sign the deeds for my mutual exchange but unfortunately and sadly the tenant i was due to swap with passed away, the swap was only 10 minutes up the road from me and was still with my current housing association, they have said I wont be considered for the property as it goes back to the council, is there anything that can be done? after 3 years of searching and being days away from this happening its not pleasant. Anyone had anything similar happen? What was the outcome, were you able to move? Im desperate by this point.

I don't see any way in which you can house-swop with someone who is dead.


You are right - death is not pleasant.

Dan951

I’m not asking if I can swap with someone that is deceased, I’m asking if there is any way I can at least be considered for the flat once it is ready to be rented again seeing as it it under the same HA as me and we were set to be moving anyway, they will have to move someone in eventually.

getmore4less

Can't they swap and hand your place back?

agrinnall

Is your current property one that would be as attractive to the council and/or your HA to let to people on their waiting list as the one you hope to swap with? If it is then why not start talking to one both parties to propose that the swap goes ahead - surely there's nothing to lose by opening a dialogue?

Dan951

I would consider my flat more desirable as its better location being in the center on town, secure door entry, train station/bus depo being 4 min walk away, but its a small tower block so not really sure it thats what people want these days, guess ill get the ball rolling and see if something can work with the council.

Dan951

getmore4less wrote: »

Can't they swap and hand your place back?

This is what i thought would happen but apparently it does not work like that.

jimbog

Perhaps you could go and speak to your local councillor and see if he/she could speak to someone explaining your situation

HampshireH

You are right it doesnt work like that.

Many HAs are dictated to by Local Authorities and a CBL type system.

The HAs may have to give 100% properties back to the LA for relet.
Some may retain 20% nominations (or other%) rights as part of their service level agreement allowing them to move people internally in exceptional circumstances like Domestic Abuse or Victim or other serious crimes withour LA permission..

It is unlikely that you would meet this criteria. If you did you would be on the housing register and bidding for which you could then have become eligible.

Is there any reason you aren't on the register and bidding? If its because the council don't deem you as eligible then chances of a discretionary move are even slimmer.

t0rt0ise

Now your swap is no longer possible you need to ask for a transfer instead. They may or may not agree.