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Moving home
Over time your circumstances could change and you may need to move to another property.
This could be due to changes in the size of your family, the need to live closer to work or closer to
friends and family who give you support.
We will always try our best to help you to move to a more suitable home. The length of time you will
have to wait to be rehoused will depend on your current circumstances, the type of property
you need and the areas you wish to live in. In particular, we will take account of any special needs
you may have.
Transferring to another home
Mutual Exchange
If you are an Assured
tenant of WATMOS you may be able to swap (mutually exchange) homes with
another WATMOS tenant, or a tenant of another Housing Association or
Council. WATMOS is a member of HomeSwapper which is a website where you can
register your details and search for other tenants that you could swap with.
Click on the logo to access the
HomeSwapper website
Moving within WATMOS
You can ask for a transfer within WATMOS by making an appointment for an interview with a
member of staff at your local TMO office during which a housing application form will be completed.
We operate an allocation system that uses points to ensure that our homes are let based on
housing need. Once your application has been assessed and registered we will send you a letter
confirming your details and letting you know how many points you have.
WATMOS is a charitable housing association so we have to satisfy ourselves that you can’t easily
meet your own housing needs by buying a home of your own or renting in the private sector.
This assessment is not required if you are over 60 or have a disability.
You will not be able to move if you are not keeping to any of your obligations in the tenancy
agreement; for example, if you are behind with your rent or causing nuisance to your neighbours.
If you want to live in another TMO area, you will need to meet with the TMO’s lettings sub-committee
and go through a similar process to the one you followed to get your current tenancy.
Moving within your current TMO area
We will keep the structure and outside of your property in good repair including external decorations.
However, we are not responsible for any repair or replacement needed because of damage to or
neglect of your home caused by you, anyone living with you or your visitors.
Repairing installations
We will repair and maintain any installations we have provided for heating, water heating and
sanitation and for supplying water, gas and electricity.
We are not responsible for any repair or replacement needed because of damage to or neglect of
your home caused by you, anyone living with you or your visitors.
Repairing and maintaining shared facilities
There may be opportunities to move home within your current TMO area. If you are
interested in this option, please contact the staff at your local TMO office for further advice.
Moving to another social landlord
There are a number of other social landlords with properties in Walsall who provide homes
at affordable rents. The staff at your local TMO office can tell you more about this option.
Transfers out of the Walsall area
We will give you information about our housing management policies as required by the Housing
Corporation’s regulatory code including our performance standards and the charter for housing
association applicants and residents (a copy of which can be found at the back of this handbook).
Private renting and home ownership
You may be interested in renting privately or buying your own home. The staff at your local TMO
office will be able to give you general advice on these options.
Leaving your home
You must give at least four weeks’ notice to your local TMO office, ending on a Monday. We may
agree to reduce this period in certain circumstances, for example, if you are transferring to another
WATMOS property.
You must give notice in writing, providing a forwarding address and the date you plan to move out.
You must also pay off any outstanding rent and service charges before you leave the property.
If you cannot do this you must let us know and make an agreement to clear the debts.
We will inspect your home before you leave. If the property is left in an unsatisfactory condition or
you leave any belongings behind, we may charge you the cost of sorting this out.
You will need to let all of your service companies (e.g. gas, electric, water, telephone etc) know the
date you are leaving. You will also need to arrange to have your mail redirected.
Don’t forget to return all your keys to your local TMO office no later than 12 noon on the last day of
your tenancy. We will continue to charge you rent until you return them.
For service leaflet please see news / publications section.
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