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Other housing options
In this section:
Swapping homes with another tenant (mutual exchange)
What is a mutual exchange?
A mutual exchange is when you swap your home permanently with another tenant. You cannot swap your property for an empty home.
Who can apply for a mutual exchange?
Anyone with a secure tenancy can apply to exchange his or her home. You have a right to do so. Introductory tenants do not have the right to exchange their home.
You can exchange your home with any other secure council tenant and most Housing Association tenants with assured tenancies. Make sure you know the type of tenancy you will be taking on, as there are differences between a council tenancy and a Housing Association tenancy.
You and the person you want to exchange homes with must first apply for and receive written permission from your respective landlord.
How do I apply for a mutual exchange?
If you want to swap your home, complete a form at your local Housing Office giving details of whom you want to exchange with or download a mutual exchange application form from the Council website. Permission will not be unreasonably withheld. In some cases, we may set certain conditions before giving permission for the exchange. These may include:
- Clearing your rent account if you are in arrears
- Repairing any damage you may have caused to your home
- Not allowing exchanges where the home will be too large or too small for the proposed tenant
- Not allowing exchanges where the home has been adapted and the proposed tenant does not require an adapted home
How will I find a suitable exchange partner?
We can help you find someone to exchange your home with by placing your details on an Exchange Register. This can be viewed at any of our local Housing Offices.
Many tenants find their exchange partners through friends and relatives or by placing advertisements in newspapers or shop windows.
Moving outside the Borough
There are a number of organisations you can register with to mutually exchange your home with other council or housing association tenants across the country.
These include:
How can I register to mutually exchange outside the Borough?
You can register via the relevant websites. Once registered, your details will be displayed in housing offices within the areas you have selected and/or online depending on the mutual exchange scheme.
You can view details of people wanting to move to your area on the different mutual exchange websites or at your local Housing Office.
Private landlords
If you are looking to rent a home in the private sector, you will usually need to check letting agencies, estate agents or the local newspaper. Letting agencies and estate agents often charge a fee for finding you a home, usually about two weeks rent. You may also have to pay a deposit of one months rent.
Private sector rents are usually much higher but you may be entitled to help through housing benefit if you are not working or are on a low income.
Private tenants have fewer rights and less security than council tenants so make sure that you are making the right decision before you give up your tenancy. The Citizens Advice Bureau can offer you advice.
