Mutual housing exchanges with Birmingham City Council?

Question

Hi guys, i am currently a council tenant with Birmingham City council.

I am looking to do a mutual exchange with someone this year- as in, they have my place, i have theirs etc.

Now whilst my rent account is up to date , I am still repaying a housing benefit overpayment i recieved from a few years ago (long story) - which ive paid every month regularly and on time - making a genuine effort to rid myself of it- sadly i cant afford to clear it all in one go, or i would.

Just wondering if anyone has had any experience / knows anybody who's been in a similar position with this- specifically with Birmingham CC , and whether they would most likely simply refuse any application i make based on the above.

Having read the FAQs on BCC's website, they mention rent arrears but not benefit overpayment.


Thanks for any help.

Answer 1

As far as the council housing department is concerned, your rent is up to date. The overpayment is between you and housing benefit - nothing to do with housing so it should not affect anything. It's a bit like paying the final electricity bill - you don't pay that until after you move out so that is no concern of theirs.

Answer 2

Birmingham City Council Exchange

Answer 3

I work for a social Housing Association, and deal with mutual exchanges all the time. There is no problem exchanging with another council. Your first answer says you have 9 weeks, but our rules state 6. If you haven't had a decision by the deadline date, you can go ahead anyway. The inspector is inspecting the property and making sure you leave it in a lettable condition. It must have all breakages fixed and all non-standard items removed, unless the new people confirm they are happy with it. The inspector will give you a list of instructions, and then the Housing Officer visits later on to make sure you have complied. If you have put in any new electrics or light fittings we insist that you produce safety certificates for them, or the exchange will not be permitted. The thing about mutual exchanges is, they must not cost the council anything. If you move into your new house and you think it's dirty or not up to scratch, you can't complain. Make sure they people where you are going leave it exactly as you would wish to find it! We are very strict about alterations and non-standard items and we refuse exchanges if we are not satisfied. We are also strict about family sizes. We do not accept exchanges if the property is going to be overcrowded or under-occupied. However, I think all social landlords have their own rules, but you'll be told. We'll also refuse if there are any rent arrears, unless these are paid off before contracts are signed.

Answer 4

some councils use the homefinder site or others use inhouse schemes check the housing web site page