Changing your home

Derby Homes, local housing associations and some private landlords with properties to rent in Derby work together and operate the same allocations scheme.  You only have to fill in one application form to be registered on the Housing Register.  We advertise properties for rent through Derby Homefinder.  Once you are registered you will be able to look for properties using Homefinder.

 This city-wide service means:

  • more choice for people who want a home in Derby
  • the allocations scheme is more open
  • it is easier to get information about available properties to rent.        

 Please contact the Enquiry Centre on 01332 711000 or the Housing Options Centre, Derwent Street, on 01332 256490 for more information about Homefinder or visit the website at www.derbyhomefinder.org 

Transfer applications

 If your needs change, for example if you need to move to a larger or smaller home then you will need to complete a Derby Homefinder application form.  These are available from all Housing Offices, at the Housing Options Centre or on the internet.  Your application will be assessed by us using Derby City Council’s Housing Policy.  You will be given an application number which you will need to use each time you use Derby Homefinder.

Each week a variety of properties are advertised on Derby Homefinder.

You can express interest in up to three properties a week

If you need help, staff at our offices will be able to help.

When the list ‘closes’ shortlists are produced and the properties are offered to the highest placed qualifying applicant.

The Derby Homefinder booklet contains a lot more information on the allocations policy. 

You can get this booklet from any Housing Office and at the Housing Options Centre.

 

 Mutual Exchange

 If you want to swap your council property with someone else’s property, we call this a mutual exchange.  You can swap with another Derby Homes tenant or housing association tenant, using the Derby Home Swap scheme.

 To use the Derby Home Swap scheme you must be registered. You can register on the internet or at your Local Housing Office.

When you register you will have to provide details of your property, such as its area, the number of bedrooms and facilities. Your Local Housing Office has to approve these details before your property is advertised for a mutual exchange. When this has been done, you will be able to bid on properties that are advertised on Derby Home Swap.

 You can see the available properties on the website or on the mutual exchange property newsletter at the Housing Options Centre. There is no limit on the number of bids you can place for Home Swap properties.

 When we receive notification that you have found someone to exchange with, a Housing Officer will arrange to visit and inspect your home.  This is to check if any repairs or alterations need to be done before the exchange.

 We normally allow exchanges provided both tenants are keeping to their tenancy conditions and neither home is too small or too large for the families wanting to move into it. If you have rent arrears or are causing anti-social behaviour, the mutual exchange will be withheld.

 If your home, or the home you want to move to has had adaptations carried out we will need to ensure that the proposed exchange meets everyone’s needs.

 We will tell you if we agree to the exchange within 42 days of receiving notification.  We will give you a choice of the date, time and Local Housing Office for your sign up interview.  The office you choose must be responsible for managing at least one of the homes.

 Homeswapper

 As a Derby Homes tenant, you have access to Homeswapper, which is a web-based service for national and local exchanges across the UK. For further information go to www.homeswapper.co.uk or ask your Local Housing Office.

Home Release Scheme

 In some cases we can offer a financial incentive for you to move to a smaller home. Some properties advertised on Derby Homefinder will give preference to applicants releasing a larger property.  

 When we agree to a home release application we will:

  • arrange and pay for your furniture removal
  • disconnect and reconnect your cooker and washing machine
  • give you an incentive payment.

If the proposed  Housing Benefit Changes for 'under occupying' your property  go ahead in 2013, you may wish to consider this as an option. See our page on Benefit changes

Please contact our Enquiry Centre on 01332 711000 or your Local Housing Office for more information.

 Emergency re-housing

 Please contact your Housing Office if there is an emergency in your home or your area and you need a temporary place to stay.  The Housing Office staff will help you find somewhere.  They will also keep you informed about when you will be able to return home.

 When the Housing Office is closed please call Care Link on 01332 256060 if you have an emergency.