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 re-housed 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 Tenant Services Authority'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.