Moving home
This section tells you what your options are for moving and how to end your tenancy.
Can you move me to a new home?
You may need a new home because you have a disability or medical problem or you are a victim of serious antisocial behaviour. If this is the case, let us know straight away. If there is a very serious threat to your health or safety, we may be able to help you transfer to an empty property or - in an emergency - to temporary accommodation arranged with your local council. If you live in an area where there is a 'choice-based lettings' scheme (see below), the first step is to register.
What is a 'choice-based lettings' scheme?
Kent Homechoice and Sussex Homemove are examples of 'choice-based lettings' schemes. There are also schemes in London. They have replaced the old council 'waiting lists'. If you would like more information go to our choice-based lettings FAQ or contact us.
How do I swap my home with another tenant?
A 'mutual exchange' is when you swap your home with another tenant. There are some exceptions so please check with us. Both tenants who want to swap must have our approval. We usually agree to the exchange, but if we do say 'no', we will write to you within 28 working days of your request to tell you why. If you need advice, please contact us and we will be happy to help.
What if I want to move to a different area?
There is a national scheme called Homeswapper for tenants across the country who want to do an exchange. You can register with the scheme and look at properties on the website at www.homeswapper.co.uk. We are registered on the scheme so it is free to join if you are one of our residents. For more details go to our Homeswapper page.
Ending your tenancy and moving out.
For more information on how to end your tenancy and what to do when you move out click here.
Your checklist when you move to a new AmicusHorizon home.
If you move through exchange or transfer, you are responsible for checking the condition of your new home. You must be sure the property is at a standard that you are happy to move into and live in. If the property needs decorating or has any small repairs that need to be done, these will be your responsibility unless we have transferred you without you asking us to. If we inspect the property and find damage caused by anything other than general wear and tear, we will charge you, and not the previous occupier, for the costs.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of private renting?
Renting from a private landlord would give you more choice about where you want to live and what type of property you live in. You will probably have to pay a deposit and the first month's rent upfront. Your tenancy will probably be an assured shorthold tenancy, which does not give you long-term security. Also, if you decided you wanted to come back to us, you would need to apply again through your local choice-based lettings scheme or your local council as a homeseeker.
Avenue
Avenue is part of AmicusHorizon. They manage properties on behalf of private landlords. If you decide you want to rent privately, they may be able to help. Visit their website at http://www.avenuelettings.co.uk/
Can I buy my home?
If you were originally a tenant of Swale Borough Council, Rother District Council, Hastings Borough Council or Lansdowne Green, you may have the legal 'right to buy'. This means that you can buy your home at a discount. For more information download our 
Right to Acquire leaflet [400kb] If you are a new tenant, you do not have this right. But you may have the legal 'right to acquire' your home. This means that you may be able to buy it but will not get a discount. In some areas 'shared ownership' or other schemes may also be available. Our Shared Horizons team will be pleased to tell you about all the options.
