A mutual exchange is a home swap between two social housing tenants. It can happen for many reasons, such as needing more (or less) space, moving for work or to be closer to family. It’s a great option for customers who can’t access or don’t want to wait for the normal allocation process. It gives you more control and means you’re able to choose a home that suits your needs better in a place you want to live.

Before a mutual exchange can go ahead, we carry out a few checks. These help make sure the move is suitable and that both tenancies are in good standing.

If you are exchanging with someone from another landlord, their landlord will also need to approve the swap. They will have their own set of checks.

Your rent account is up to date

Your rent account should not be in arrears and you should not have any outstanding debt with us.

The home is the right size

The property you want to move to should be suitable for your household. This usually relates to the number of bedrooms and how many people will live there.

Your tenancy is in good standing

There should be no legal action in place for a breach of your tenancy agreement. This could include a Notice of Seeking Possession, a suspended possession order or serious concerns about the condition of your home.

You meet the criteria for the home

Some homes are designed for customers with specific needs or circumstances. For example, adapted homes may include facilities for wheelchair users and are usually offered to people who need those adaptations. Some homes are also reserved for certain groups, such as customers aged 55 and over. You would need to meet the criteria for these homes for the exchange to go ahead.

There are a few reasons why a mutual exchange may not be approved after our checks. These checks help make sure homes are suitable and tenancies are in good standing.

If you are exchanging with someone from another landlord, they will also need to approve the swap. They will have their own set of checks.

Rent arrears or debt

If your rent account is in arrears, or you have other outstanding debt with us, we may not approve the exchange until this is resolved.

Property size

The exchange may not be approved if the home you want to move to is not suitable for your household. For example, if it has more bedrooms than you need or not enough space for the people living with you.

Tenancy or legal action

We may not approve an exchange if there is action being taken because of a tenancy breach. This could include:

• a Notice of Seeking Possession
• a suspended possession order
• serious concerns about the condition of your home or tenant damage

Adapted or specialist homes

Some homes are designed for customers with specific needs or circumstances.

For example, adapted homes may include facilities for wheelchair users. These homes are usually offered to people who need those adaptations.

Some homes are also reserved for certain groups, such as customers aged 55 and over. You would need to meet the criteria for these homes for the exchange to go ahead.

You can swap your home with:

• A whg customer
• A customer of another registered social landlord (usually a housing association)
• Someone who lives in a council-owned and managed home.

It’s important to remember that you won’t be able to swap with a private housing tenant – both homes need to be social housing properties.

We have a huge demand for properties. Finding a swap through HomeSwapper means you won’t have to wait months on a housing waiting list and you will get to choose the home you want for yourself.

Go to the HomeSwapper website and click ‘register’.

Then follow the simple steps to complete your registration.

The service is completely free for whg customers, although we will need to approve your application before you have full access.

If you can fill in as much information as possible about your home and the home you are looking for, the system will be able to match you with your ideal properties automatically.

No. Joining HomeSwapper is free for whg customers.

No. You can swap homes with any other council or housing association tenant that lives anywhere in the UK.

Once you have found someone you want to swap with, and fully completed application forms have been received for all parties, we have a maximum of 42 days to tell you whether your application has been approved or refused.

Yes. You must have permission from us before you move.

No. It is important that you wait until you have signed for your new property before you move in. If you move in before this you will be classed as illegally occupying and could risk losing your home.

It is your responsibility to inspect the property thoroughly before you agree to move. You should agree with your exchange partner how they will be leaving the property and who is responsible for any outstanding repairs or rubbish.

There are lots of useful guides on the HomeSwapper website. If you need help you can email the helpdesk at tenants@homeswapper.co.uk