Mutual exchange

If you are a council tenant or housing association you could think about moving by mutual exchange.

This means you will need to find another local authority or housing association tenant to swap properties with.

You can register for free on the Homeswapper website to find tenants who live locally and nationally, who are also looking for a new property.

In most cases you will only be allowed to move to a property which meets your needs, for example, does not have more bedrooms than your household requires. You will not be able to move if you have any rent arrears.

If you exchange your home with someone else please be aware that in exchanging you are agreeing to accept the property in its current condition, including all of the fixtures and fittings.

You will become responsible for any alterations or work carried out by the tenant you have exchanged with.

Apply for a mutual exchange

If you are a council tenant and have found someone who would like to swap with you, you and any other parties involved will each need to complete a Mutual Exchange application and provide the required proofs before we can assess whether or not your application can be approved.

You cannot swap homes without getting our agreement.

If you need a paper version of the application form contact your Local Housing Office.

I have already applied for a mutual exchange

If you have already applied for a mutual exchange and are currently waiting on an update, please allow up to 42 days for a provisional decision to be made. You will be sent this in writing. Please note the 42 day period begins once we have applications for all the involved parties and the required proofs.

Please note, it is only the decision that needs to be made within 42 days. This does not mean your exchange will be completed in this time.

Other information

• Mutual exchange handbook
• Mutual exchange policy
• PDF version of application form