If you don't qualify for housing
If you don’t meet the criteria in our Allocation Scheme, some other rehousing options may help:
- mutual exchange scheme – you may be able to exchange properties with another tenant, if you are already a social housing tenant
- housing associations – some housing associations (also called registered providers) have their own housing registers and will accept applications for vacancies in Central Bedfordshire that they do not let through Bedfordshire Homefinder
- private renting – we work with some private landlords to make it easier for applicants to find privately rented accommodation
Mutual exchange
If you already rent your home from us or a housing association (registered provider), you can search for other tenants who want to swap their property.
We provide our tenants with the Homeswapper service which is free of charge. Find out more about Homeswapper.
After your registration is approved, you will be able to search for homes you like. When you find a swap, you'll need to apply to us for permission. Our tenants should check what they need to do before applying for a mutual exchange.
We stopped using House Exchange from 1 June 2021. You can still use it if you want to, but you'll be charged. You can find out more about House Exchange by searching online.
Housing associations with homes in Central Bedfordshire
Some housing associations let a proportion of their vacant properties through their own waiting lists. Contact the following housing associations to find out how to apply direct to them:
Housing associations with homes to rent in other areas
Some housing associations have properties for immediate rent in other parts of the country. You can find out more from their websites:
- Clarion Housing
- Home Group
- Housing 21 (retirement housing)
- Network Homes
- Notting Hill Genesis
- Sanctuary Housing
Renting privately
We know that it's becoming increasingly difficult for tenants to find a suitable rented property within the private sector. Find out how we work with private landlords to assist people who need accommodation to rent privately.