1. Filling out the form

When you have found someone to exchange with, all parties in the exchange must complete the Eastlight Mutual Exchange application form below.

2. The decision-making process

After all parties complete the form, a 42-day time frame will begin to reach a decision on the exchange, which is calculated from the date the last application is received. 

Our teams will also carry out checks amongst ourselves (no need to visit your home) which will be completed within seven working days.

3. What happens next

Following this, we'll look to provide a reference, and initial approval will be subject to the results of property checks and a Home MOT being carried out. See more about Home MOTs here.

We will contact you to discuss the findings, sign a property inspection document and send everything to our Housing Management team to be signed off.

In this time, please do not make any arrangements to move before the final sign-off has been granted. 

Any outstanding rent for your current Eastlight home will need to be paid in full. If you are moving into an Eastlight home, you will also be required to pay the first weeks' rent in advance.

4. Completing the exchange

We will schedule an in-person sign up appointment at our Braintree office to complete the exchange. Once the sign-up is completed it will be down to yourself to arrange a suitable time to swap keys for the properties and arrange your move.

Once you have signed all the required paperwork for your exchange it is legally binding, and you are expected to move on the date agreed with your landlord.

• You can stop the exchange at any point until the deed of assignment has been signed. This is a legal document which states that you are going to swap your home with the other party.  Its really important that you are sure you want to move before you sign any of the legal documents. If you change your mind once the deed of assignment is signed, you’d need to complete another mutual exchange to move back – but this would only be possible if all parties agreed. 
• You can't offer or accept any incentives (including money) to make the exchange happen.
• Please fully consider all of the costs involved when moving home; not only utility bills, but also moving costs, new carpets, new rent charges and changes to benefits if the amount of bedrooms increases.
• If you're moving to a different local authority area, you may wish to check what might happen if you wish to move again in the future.
• If you're exchanging with someone who has a Fixed Term Tenancy, you should check with that landlord on their policy, as you may not be offered a further tenancy once the Fixed Term Tenancy ends.
• If you exchange where the tenancy has already completed the right to succession, you will not have the option to do this again in the future.
• Please be aware that either party can pull out of the exchange at any point up until the tenancy documents are formally signed.
• Your application may be refused. If this happens and you’re not sure why, please contact us.

If you are interested in moving to a smaller home, you can apply for our Downsizing Assistance Scheme, which may give you a cash reward and the support you need to go through the process. The scheme applies to all residents who would like to downsize; whether the home you are moving to is an Eastlight home or not.

You can apply for the scheme by registering with your local authority to downsize through their housing register. 

How you go about this will depend on where you live. Details can be found here.

The payment you receive for downsizing will differ depending on the size of the home you are giving up.

Payment will be made shortly after your move, and any charges or outstanding rent will be deducted from the amount you receive.  

You are not entitled to a downsizing payment if you are doing so following a succession of a tenancy.