Swap your home
If you rent a home with us and would like to move, you may be able to swap your home with another tenant. This is called a mutual exchange and is often the quickest way to move.
What a mutual exchange is
A mutual exchange is when you swap homes with another social housing tenant. This could be someone who rents from a housing association or a council.
It can be a good option if your current home no longer suits your needs and you do not want to wait on a housing list.
Why choose a mutual exchange
A mutual exchange can:
- give you more choice over where you live
- help you move sooner than waiting for a housing offer
- allow you to find a home that better suits your needs
- give you the option to move locally or anywhere in the UK
Finding a swap
We are part of HomeSwapper, a national mutual exchange service. It is free for our customers.
You can use it to:
- search for homes
- contact other tenants
- arrange viewings
Register on HomeSwapper and complete your profile with as much detail as possible to improve your matches.
How to swap your home
- Register on HomeSwapper and look for a suitable swap
- Arrange to view each other’s homes
- Agree the swap with the other tenant
- Complete a mutual exchange application form and get permission from all landlords
- Once approved, agree a move date and move into your new home
Do not move until you have written permission from all landlords and a confirmed move date. Moving without permission could put your tenancy at risk.
What we check before approving a swap
Before approving a mutual exchange, we carry out checks to make sure the move is suitable.
This includes:
- your rent account is up to date
- the home is suitable for your household
- your tenancy is in good standing
- you meet the criteria for the home.
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.
How long does a home swap take?
Once you have found someone to swap with and all application forms have been completed, we will let you know our decision within 42 days.
If the swap is approved (by both landlords, if there are two) you will then be able to agree a date for the swap to happen.
Why your swap might not be approved
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.
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.
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.
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.
We may not approve an exchange if there is action being taken because of a tenancy breach. This could include:
- serious concerns about the condition of your home or tenant damage
- a Notice of Seeking Possession
- a suspended possession order