Rochford Council tenants could soon find it more expensive to swap homes with other tenants.

The council's housing management subcommittee will be recommending later this month to introduce a £135 fee for mutual exchanges within social housing.

Head of housing Steve Clarkson is recommending the charge to bring Rochford into line with many other housing authorities.

The fee would apply both for exchanges between the council's own tenants and between tenants and those other with social housing providers as landlords.

The fee would cover the cost of landlord's checks, administration and the inspection of properties before they are vacated.

Published Tuesday January 15, 2002