Looking to move but worried about finding someone to take over your tenancy? A mutual exchange might be the option for you!

A mutual exchange is when two or more housing associations or council tenants exchange (or swap) their homes. Each tenant must move into their exchange partner’s property and take on responsibility for that tenancy.

You may wish to exchange your property for a larger or smaller home in your area, or move to a different location entirely. You can exchange with another tenant living in any part of the country.

For a mutual exchange to take place, the landlords involved will need to give their consent.

Mutual exchanges can often be a quicker way of moving house than a transfer. If you are interested in this or require any more information, please contact Customer Services or your Housing Officer.

Organising a Mutual Exchange

If you are considering a mutual exchange:

• contact your Housing Officer to check if we can support you through a mutual exchange
• search on mutual exchange websites, such as Homeswapper. If you don’t have internet access, we can help you register for Homeswapper and send you details of suitable properties in a way that suits you.

If you find a suitable property to swap with, contact your Housing Officer who will send out an application form to start the process.

Why might I be denied a mutual exchange?

There are some reasons why consent may not be given. These reasons are set out in the Housing Act 1985 and include:

• late or delayed rent payments
• the use of a starter tenancy
• the property you want to move into being too big or too small for the number of people involved
• the existence of a court order made against you for breach of tenancy, or a notice of seeking possession.

You can read the Mutual Exchange Policy below: