Transfer to another area
We can support you if you want to move to another area. We can help if you are a housing association or council tenant. The area you want to move to does not need to be within Harrow.
You can apply to transfer to as many different councils as you want. Each council can decide how to rank the applications they get. They may give greater priority to people who have a local connection with the area or possibly if you are over a certain age. You can do this by applying directly to those councils.
As you will be given no priority if you register online for a transfer on the Locata website, this route is not advisable.
Options for moving to another borough are explained below.
Applying for a mutual exchange
One option may be a mutual exchange. This is when two (or more) social housing tenants swap homes with each other.
Tenants can move within Harrow or to another part of the country. This scheme is only for tenants in social housing. If you rent your property from a private landlord, you will not be eligible.
You can register on any of the websites listed below. You can upload details and photos of your property online. Once you have posted your property advert online, we will approve it. When we approve your advert it will be viewable online.
Complete a mutual exchange application
When you find someone to swap homes with, all parties must complete an application.
- Send your completed applications by post to: London Borough of Harrow, PO Box 1367, HA3 3QT.
What happens next?
- We will assess your application. Then your housing officer will create a reference. They will send the reference to the landlord of the person you want to swap with.
- The housing officer will inspect your home. They will do this to make sure that you have been keeping to the tenancy conditions.
- Ask your exchange partner's landlord what type of tenancy you will get. Not all landlords offer secure lifetime tenancies.
- Once all landlords agree to the swap, you will be contacted. You will sign the deeds to exchange your homes.
- If a landlord does not agree, they have 42 days from the submission date to tell you why.
- You must not exchange your home until you have written permission from all landlords.
- After you exchange, we are not responsible for clearing the property.
Home swap
You may be able to swap properties with a tenant in the area where you want to live. Find out more on the Home swapper website.
Homefinder UK
Homefinder UK works with landlords to make as many properties available as possible.
It may be the answer for you if you:
- are looking to move to be closer to work opportunities, family or friends
- need to move to provide or receive care or support
- want to downsize to a smaller property. For example, to reduce the impact of recent welfare reforms. Most opportunities are outside of London (not in the South East).
You may be eligible for the scheme if:
- you are a council tenant in Harrow or
- you are homeless and living in temporary accommodation.
If you're a private tenant or homeowner you will not be eligible.
Find out more on theHomefinder UK website.
Housing Moves
The Mayor's Housing Moves scheme enables victims/survivors of domestic abuse and former rough sleepers to move to a home within London. Housing Moves is open to the following London tenants:
- Victims/survivors of domestic abuse who are current social tenants.
- Former rough sleepers who are moving on from supported accommodation.
Find out more on this website Housing Moves scheme | London City Hall
Seaside and country homes scheme (SCHS)
The SCHS is open to existing council and housing association tenants living in London, where at least one member of the household is age 55 or above. Find out more Seaside and Country Homes scheme | London City Hall.