Housing Options


A number of registered social landlords (Housing Associations) offer a range of housing types in different areas of the Rochdale Borough.

HOMESWAPPER
HOMELESS
PROPERTIES WITH OTHER LANDLORDS
SHARED OWNERSHIP
MUTUAL EXCHANGE
USEFUL LINKS
PINPOINT


HOMESWAPPER


HomeSwapper is a service provided by RBH in partnership with Scout Solutions.

HomeSwapper logo

For further information on the rules and services offered, please visit www.HomeSwapper.co.uk.

Ways to apply:
  • Register online at www.HomeSwapper.co.uk
  • Contact us and we will help you register for the service
  • Follow the link below to download the application form. Please complete this form and either return it in person or by post to - Home Choice Property Shop, The Old Post Office, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL6 1AE or via email to homechoice@rbhousing.org.uk
Once you have registered with the service you will receive regular alerts by email or text message to your mobile phone when HomeSwapper finds matches (potential swaps) for you.

If you want to check for matches yourself, then please follow this link to the HomeSwapper website: www.HomeSwapper.co.uk


HOMELESS


If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness we will be able to offer you help and advice and possibly temporary accommodation (subject to an assessment)

Contact our Homelessness Team on 0845 602 4995 for more information or call into our Homelessness Section for an interview. The offices are on Princess Street, off Haynes Street, Whitworth Road, Rochdale. The centre is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9.30am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 4.00pm. Thursdays 1.30 - 4.00 only.

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PROPERTIES WITH OTHER LANDLORDS


Housing Associations and Private Landlords can advertise their vacant properties on our website. The address, contact number and details of the property are available on the advert. If you are interested in any of the properties, you need to contact the Housing Association or Private Landlord direct who will advise you of your next step.

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SHARED OWNERSHIP


Shared ownership is a housing option for people who want to be an owner occupier, but cannot afford to buy a home outright.

Through shared ownership, you buy a share of the property and pay rent on the remaining share you do not own. Gradually you may buy further shares and eventually own your home outright.

Some Housing Associations offer shared ownership opportunities in the Rochdale Borough

If you require more information, ring Strategic Housing Services on (01706) 924042

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MUTUAL EXCHANGE


You may be able to swap homes permanently with another Council, Housing Association or Private Sector Tenant who would like to live in your home.

HOW CAN I APPLY?

Most Rochdale Council Tenants have a legal right to swap their home but you must first obtain approval from Rochdale Boroughwide Housing. Housing Association Tenants may also have a legal right to swap if it is part of their tenancy agreement. Private Sector Tenants need to check with their landlord first, as they do not have any legal right to exchange.

You may not be able to swap homes if:
  • the home you want to move to is much larger than you need
  • the swap would cause overcrowding
  • the landlord is taking legal action against one of the people wishing to swap.
Also:
  • if any tenant interested in swapping has rent arrears, they must be paid off before the move will be allowed.
  • it is illegal to offer money or goods to persuade someone to swap home with you. You will be expected to sign a form confirming that no money has changed hands.
SWAP SHOP

Current Tenants of Rochdale Council and Housing Associations within the Rochdale Borough, may advertise their properties for exchange on the Swap Shop board in the Property Shop at the Old Post Office, The Esplanade, Rochdale.

If you are interested, you need to complete one of the Swap Shop forms that can be obtained from the Reception Desk at the Property Shop. You will need to bring proof of identification with you.

The Property Shop Team will check your details then complete one of their advertisement sheets to be displayed on the Swap Shop board, Your details will be displayed for 3 months, then placed in a folder on the Reception desk. If you are successful with a move you need to keep the Property Shop Team up to date with your details.

ONLINE MUTUAL EXCHANGE LIST

If you are a Rochdale Council Tenant and ticked the Mutual Exchange box on your housing application form, you will automatically be on a list of people interested in swapping homes.

You can apply to be added to the list at any time by contacting the Homechoice Team, The Old Post Office, The Esplanade, Rochdale. The list of people wanting to swap homes is updated monthly. You can search on the Rochdale Boroughwide Housing website: www.rbhousing.org.uk or view the list at any Area Housing Office.

You can cancel or change your application for a Mutual Exchange at any time by contacting the Homechoice Team.

The above two options are self help Schemes, therefore, once you find someone you may want to swap homes with you should arrange to see each other’s homes. Other tenants may also get in touch with you after seeing your details displayed. Please remember to contact people interested in swapping by phone or letter before going to their home.


USEFUL LINKS



Please click on the links below for more information on some of the Associations which provide housing in the Rochdale Borough.


Rochdale Council

www.rochdale.gov.uk


Housing 21

www.housing21.co.uk


Johnnie Johnson HA

www.jjhousing.co.uk


St Vincents Housing Association

www.svha.co.uk


Yorkshire Housing

www.yorkshirehousing.co.uk


Accent Group

www.accentgroup.org




If you are interested in housing with these landlords, contact them directly and indicate on your application form with us that you are interested in us nominating you to a Housing Association.

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PINPOINT


Making moving home easier across Greater Manchester.

Pinpoint will make it much easier for you to move from one of the 9 Local Authority areas in Greater Manchester to another, for whatever reason - whether it is to be nearer family or work or simply to live in a different type of home.

Like the choice-based lettings schemes currently operated by each Local Authority, Pinpoint will give those people registered to be rehoused, with any of the participating landlords, more choice of a home. There will be no need to register separately with each landlord.

This new service is available from July 2008. Available properties will be advertised via a dedicated website that has links to all participating landlords' own websites. It is also planned to advertise private rented accommodation and Homebuy properties.

The scheme has been funded by money from Communities and Local Government, the 9 Greater Manchester authorities and the RSL partners involved in the scheme

So, if you are interested in moving in Greater Manchester visit the website:

www.pinpoint.org.uk

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