Moving home
At some stage you may wish to move elsewhere, either to a different size or type of home, or to another location. This section explains some options that may be open to you.
Mutual exchange
You may be able to mutually exchange or ‘swap’ homes with another tenant or with a tenant from another Registered Social Landlord or Council (subject to certain conditions).
To find an exchange partner you can register with www.homeswapper.co.uk. Once you have found a swap all parties will need to apply to all landlords involved. The process from application to a decision on the exchange can take up to six weeks. This is a completely free service which we can help you to achieve.
Transferring to another property
If you want to transfer to another council or housing association property, you will need to register with Kent Homechoice. Your application will be prioritised, depending on your housing circumstances, and you will have to ‘bid’ for suitable properties when they are advertised.
Downsizing
If you are living in a home that is too large for your needs you may be entitled to some help to downsize to a smaller home. Please call us for more information If you move into sheltered, 1-bedroomed or studio accommodation, you may be eligible for one of the following incentives:
- £2000 - If you move from 3-bedroomed or larger property with a garden;
- £1500 - If you move from 2-bedroomed property with a garden;
- £500 - For each bedroom if you move from a property without a garden (up to £1,000), or
- £300 - For each bedroom if you move from a property releasing bedrooms with a garden to a property with fewer bedrooms and a garden.
We can also help you to move from a home that has been specially adapted for someone with a disability and you no longer need the adaptations. £1,000 if your home has an adaptation for a person with disabilities. *
*This amount is payable in addition to any of the other amounts stated for which you may qualify.
Thinking about buying your home?
As a council tenant, you may be eligible to apply to buy your home under the Right to Buy scheme. Buying a home is often the biggest single investment most people will ever make therefore, there is a lot to think about around the costs associated with this.
As a home owner you will no longer be able to have any repairs carried out by the council in your home. Unless you buy your home outright, you will be paying a mortgage instead of rent.
We have put together some information on our website for you to assist you in making the right decision for you. If you do need any assistance or have any other questions, then please contact leasehold.service@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk
Shared ownership
Shared ownership is a way of buying a home by part owning and part renting. If you would like to know more about this type of scheme and whether we have any properties available, please take a look at our website.
Ending your tenancy
If you find a new home (not a swap) you will need to give one month’s notice to end your tenancy. We will visit you during the notice period to inspect your home and advise you of anything you need to do before you vacate.
We will also inspect after you have moved out, to ensure that no damage has been caused. You will be charged for any outstanding work that is your responsibility and necessary for us to re-let the home to another tenant.
For example, if you do not remove all of your possessions or rubbish left in the property or garden, or you damage fixtures or fittings in the property, you will be charged.It is your responsibility to pay your rent to the end of your tenancy, secure the property and return the keys to us.
You also need to notify your utility providers i.e. gas, electric etc. and to have your mail forwarded by the Royal Mail.
What we expect of you
- That you give us one month’s notice in writing and leave your home in a good lettable condition and your rent account clear
What you can expect from us
- A property inspection prior to you leaving and further action if you leave us with arrears
- Information and advice about your housing options and downsizing to a smaller home
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