There may be circumstances where you want or need to move home. To move to another social housing property, there are two options available – a ‘transfer’ or ‘mutual exchange’ (also known as a direct exchange).
Applying for a ‘Transfer’
If you are interested in transferring you can apply to Apex by completing a ‘Housing/Transfer’ application form.
Your housing officer will visit you and assess your housing need in accordance with the ‘Housing Selection Scheme’.
You can also transfer to a property owned by the NI Housing Executive or another housing association in accordance with the ‘Housing Selection Scheme’ guidance.
Guide to exchanging your home for another
If you’ve found someone you’d like to exchange homes with, complete a ‘Transfer/Exchange’ application form and contact your housing officer. They’ll guide you through the process. If the person you wish to exchange with is a tenant of another social landlord, both Apex and the other landlord must approve the exchange before it can take place. If an exchange is not approved, you will be given reasons in writing for the decision.
Please don’t move until you’ve received official approval and completed all paperwork.
Introductory tenants do not have the right to exchange during the trial period.
What is assignment?
There may come a time when you want or need to transfer your tenancy to someone else. This is called an assignment of tenancy.
Assignment means legally transferring your tenancy – and all the rights and responsibilities that go with it – to another person. This process must always be started by you, the current tenant.
When Apex must approve an assignment
By law, Apex must give permission in the following cases:
- When a court orders the assignment (usually during family law proceedings)
- If you’re eligible for a mutual exchange (also known as a direct exchange)
Assignments in special cases
Even if you’re not legally entitled to assign your tenancy, Apex may still allow it in exceptional circumstances. For example, if you can no longer manage the tenancy due to serious illness or other practical reasons.
When assignments may be refused
The Housing Selection Scheme rules give housing associations the right to refuse some assignment requests, but only in specific cases, such as when:
- The home doesn’t meet the needs of the person you’re assigning it to; AND
- The property is needed by someone else on the waiting list with more suitable housing needs
This rule applies especially to:
- Wheelchair-accessible or adapted homes
- Single-storey or ground floor homes (excluding flats) with 2 bedrooms or fewer
- Larger family homes
These changes help make sure homes go to those who need them most.
If an assignment is refused
If your request is turned down, Apex will:
- Offer the person you were assigning the tenancy to one suitable alternative property
- Allow them to stay temporarily in the current home (they’ll pay an occupation charge) until they accept or refuse the offer
Need help?
If you’re thinking about assigning your tenancy, or just want to know more, talk to your housing officer. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Telephone: 028 7130 4800