How to swap your home (mutual exchange)

Are you thinking about moving? Consider a mutual exchange:

Do you know you can swap your house locally or nationally, through HomeSwapper? This process is known as mutual exchange.

HomeSwapper is the UK’s largest direct home swap service. At any one time, around 1,000 of our customers are registered with HomeSwapper and over 500,000 members are looking for potential swaps on the HomeSwapper website.

You can use HomeSwapper to upsize, downsize, move location, or find a property that’s already adapted for disabilities. It works by matching tenants who want each other’s home, with 90% of members receiving potential matches within 24 hours.

What's a mutual exchange?

A mutual exchange is when you swap homes with someone. It means you’re taking on somebody else’s tenancy rather than being given a brand new tenancy agreement.

If you’re already a Be One Homes tenant, you can swap with any other social housing tenant if you have an assured non shorthold tenancy with us.

You could upsize, downsize, move location, get a garden, or find a property that’s adapted for disabilities. There’s no limit to the number of participants in a mutual exchange, but usually it’ll be a direct swap between two social rented households. Occasionally it might involve three or more different households.

Please get our permission first:

If you’d like to speak to us about starting the mutual exchange process and/or to seek our consent, please call us on 01204 328000.

Once you’ve told us that you’d like to mutually exchange (providing full details of properties affected etc.), we’ll arrange for an inspector to visit your home. This inspection is required before we can provide consent for the mutual exchange process to begin.

Mutual exchange is your choice:

A mutual exchange is an important choice to consider. You have control over the type of properties you want to view and where you choose to live.

Although you have choice, you’ll also need to consider that you’ll have to compromise for something you need, as opposed to what you’d like.

The number one wish within mutual exchange from all residents is “I’d like a house with a garden”. Although this type of property does exist, not everyone chooses to exchange from this type of property.

The benefits of mutual exchange:

Frequently-asked questions:

Who's eligible?

To do a mutual exchange, Be One Homes and/or the other housing provider will need to give their consent to the person(s) listed as the tenant(s). There are some reasons why we might not give consent, and some of these are set out below.

You aren't eligible if:

You're a new Be One Homes customer with a period remaining on your 12-month starter tenancy. A starter tenancy is usually given to new tenants.
You've breached your tenancy and have rent arrears (both current or former).
You have a breach of tenancy, e.g., untidy garden, poor property condition (including damage), rechargeable repairs or antisocial behaviour.
You've damaged your home and we want you to carry out repairs first.
You've had a court order for possession made against you for breach of tenancy, or are under a notice of seeking possession of your home.
The property you want to move to would be too big or too small for the number of people involved.
The home you live in has been designed or adapted for people with physical disabilities.
We might not give consent for the mutual exchange to proceed if the other exchanging tenant is ineligible.

How can I put my name down for a mutual exchange?

You can advertise your home for a mutual exchange for free on the HomeSwapper website. This is the main way in which to find someone to exchange with, but you'll still need permission from us before you swap.

We've included more information on how to use HomeSwapper in the 'How to use HomeSwapper' section on this page.

Some people also use Facebook or place an advert in their local newsagents, post office, or front windows.

If you need further advice on making an application, please get in touch.

What size of property can I exchange with?

Unlike with our Moving Options Policy, if you find an exchange, we may allow you to move to a like-for-like property, with the same number of bedrooms, or even under-occupy by one bedroom (subject to demonstrating affordability).

For example; a couple in a one bedroom flat may be allowed to exchange for a two bedroom house, not permitted under our Moving Options Policy.

You'll need to explain your reasons for moving as part of your mutual exchange application. Please contact us to get our permission and for details on starting the process.

What other things should I consider?

Remember that you could be taking on someone else’s tenancy, so there might be some changes to your tenancy conditions. For example; the rent you pay when you move may not be the same as the rent your exchange partner is currently paying. We can advise you what you’ll need to pay.

You may also want to get in touch with us so you can confirm if you’ll have the Right to Buy or Right to Acquire your property once you’ve exchanged, where discounts differ.

Please also think about whether you can live in the property as it is when you view it, as properties are taken on as seen. It’s helpful to prepare a list of questions to ask when you visit the property. For example:

Will fixtures and fittings be left behind?
Will it be easy to fit your appliances?
Is it a furnished tenancy that stays with the property?

You’ll need to keep your own home clean and tidy, too. If you have difficulties with this, please get in touch so we can discuss what support options might be available.

If your application is approved, you’ll need to plan for removals. Please budget for this.

If your application is refused, there’s no time limit on when you can re-apply for a mutual exchange.

What should I do when I've found someone to exchange with?

All parties involved in the exchange will need to complete a mutual exchange application form. If you’d like to speak to us about starting the mutual exchange process and seeking our consent, please get in touch.

What does Be One Homes do when a mutual exchange application is received?

We’ll give you a final decision within 42 days (six weeks).

First, we’ll need to carry out some checks, for example:

If you have any rent arrears
If there have been any unauthorised alterations
If the move would result in overcrowding or under-occupation

We won’t unreasonably refuse permission and, if there are solvable issues, we’ll talk to you first about how these may be put right.

If we do refuse your application, we’ll tell you why and discuss what needs to happen to allow for a successful future application. Some of the main reasons we'd refuse an exchange include rent arrears, property damage, antisocial behaviour, or ineligibility for the type of property.

What happens next?

We’ll conduct our initial checks and contact you to confirm we’ve received your application form and discuss any immediate questions or issues with you.

If everything appears to be in order we’ll indicate this to you, but the exchange going ahead will be subject to a survey of the property, and gas and electric checks taking place on the day of exchange.

You’ll need to be at home for the survey and checks to give our staff access. They’ll contact you directly to make appointments and will show you identification when they arrive. If you’re exchanging with the tenant of another landlord, we’ll ask that landlord for a reference for their tenant.

Remember that it’s quite likely that they’ll also ask us for a reference about you, too.

What happens if the survey or inspection highlights a problem?

In-line with your tenancy agreement, you must have kept your property in good condition, clean throughout, have a tidy garden, and no damage.

If there’s an issue that you need to put right, we’ll tell you what is required and ask when you can complete the work.

When you tell us the work is done we’ll re-inspect it. If it’s an issue that is our responsibility, we’ll do the work. If we’re unable to complete it straight away, we’ll usually let the exchange go ahead providing the work isn't urgent and the new tenant agrees.

If inspections reveal a significant health and safety issue, such as an urgent electrical problem, we might have to refuse the request.

Once you’ve exchanged, you can’t report day-to-day repairs such as plastering or carpentry for the first six months, except for repairs considered an emergency such as no heating, hot water, or lighting.

It’s therefore very important that you report all repairs before you leave the property.

If everything is in order, we’ll contact you to let you know and you can then think about move dates, which must always be on a Monday with gas and electric checks on the same day.

However, before you move, you’ll need an appointment with us to sign your agreement. This will be done by way of Deed of Assignment. Once you’ve signed it, you can’t change your mind.

What do I need to bring to the appointment?

You’ll need to bring with you:

Proof of identification that has your photograph on it.
Your current tenancy agreement. If you don’t have a copy of your tenancy agreement, please let us know before your appointment.
One week’s rent in advance (we’ll let you know how much you need to pay).
Your bank account details if you want to pay your rent by Direct Debit.
If you’re claiming Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction, proof of your income, benefits and savings.

What should I do when I get the go-ahead to move?

Make sure you:

Contact the gas, electricity and other utilities companies for both your old and new addresses.
Apply for any benefits you receive to be paid at your new address.

How to use HomeSwapper:

HomeSwapper is an online service that helps connect tenants who are looking to move house and want to do a mutual exchange. It’s a free service for social housing tenants.

You can search for homes by area, and you’ll usually be able to see photographs of what’s available. You can sign up for email or text alerts when new homes come up that match your criteria.

Scroll down for more tips on how to use it.

How to create your advert on HomeSwapper:

Planning your advert

When creating your advert, be careful to plan what you want to say and prepare any pictures beforehand so that you can get the best possible results.

Take care to gather the necessary factual information for each aspect of the property so you have it to hand when creating your showpiece advert.

Start by thinking what you like about your property, for example “I have nice views, the heating bills are reasonable, there's plenty of storage space, and large gardens”.

What should I include in my advert?

Details:

Make sure all of the details within the advert are correct and that the explanations and statements are true.

Potential 'exchangers' are relying on your information to give them a very clear picture of your property in their minds. Remember, first impressions are crucial.

Describing your property:

Provide as much information about your property as you can.

Think about all the positive points: the size of the property, the features it has, and what you like about it.

Describing the area:

You'll need to explain the area in detail, as you might have people looking at your property who don't know the area very well.

Again, mention the positives, for example, "Five minutes from nearest shops/school etc. and/or bus stop that takes you into the Town Centre within 15 minutes". The more accurate information you provide, the more interest you're likely to receive from other 'exchangers'.

Taking photos:

Including good photos of your property can increase the chance of applicants taking an interest in it.

You might want to try and take the photographs when it's sunny so your home looks at its best.

Top tips to get the best out of HomeSwapper:

Check the website frequently for potential exchange matches.
Preview your advert and check it looks appealing with plenty of photos. Include a good description of the property and promote its good points.
Message and phone possible matches regularly to see if they’re suitable.
Agree to visit and inspect each other’s property before you then apply to exchange.

What should I consider when viewing a property?

You need to be sure about a property – after all, it could potentially be your new home.

Make as many appointments as you need – including weekends and evenings – before you make the decision to go ahead with a move.

What sorts of questions should I ask when I view the property?

Before you visit a property, make a checklist of all your priorities and the things you'd like to find out.

Here are some of the questions you might want to ask:

How much is the rent?
What sort of tenancy will I be offered?
Would I be able to buy the property from the council or housing association?
How many bedrooms does it have?
What are the local schools like?
Is there allocated parking and if not, is it easy to park?
Are transport links good?
How far is it to the nearest station or bus stop?
What are the neighbours like?
If there's a garden, what size is it and is it private or shared?
What’s going on in the local community?
Where are the nearest shops and other amenities?
What kind of heating does it have and does it suit me?
Does it need decorating?
What repairs are outstanding and who's responsible?
When would the current residents want to move out?
What will my new landlord be like?
What items (such as curtains/curtain rails, carpets, or white goods) do the current residents plan to take with them?**

**Please note: we can’t be held responsible for any defective left over items or appliances (like white goods). For this reason, we wouldn't recommend that customers leave any white goods behind as part of an exchange.

Remember that it's your responsibility to check the condition of the property you're exchanging to:

Make sure you take a good look round when you go to view the property, as you'll be accepting the property ‘as seen’.

It's your responsibility to thoroughly check the condition of the property you're thinking of exchanging to. If there are things that need repairing, they'll need agreeing with the exchanging tenant and they'll need to report and arrange these repairs with their landlord before you exchange.

As part of your visit(s), be sure to check for any potential issues relating to damp, condensation, and mould. If you spot any, make sure you ask the tenant if they've notified their landlord and if a solution to the problems has been agreed.

It's always a good idea to arrange a mutual viewing with the exchanging tenant prior to submitting the mutual exchange request to us. You should only proceed with the mutual exchange once you're satisfied following the viewing and agreements have been made with the other exchanging tenant.

Tip:

If - whilst viewing the property - you identify any repairs, ask if the repair has been reported by the current tenant, request proof if needed or date of any repair appointments.

The exchanging tenant should also be asked if they're aware of any future planned works or major or structural works for the property as this may need to be taken into consideration. For example, if any works are planned that will result in some level of disruption to your household for a period of time.

Remember:

If there's anything that you're unsure about or concerned about, you must ask the exchanging tenant. This is your opportunity to be assured that the proposed mutual exchange will be the right move for you.

It's strongly recommended that both customers wishing to mutually exchange with one another undertake a written agreement that states that they will leave the property clean, remove all items from the property including any garden areas etc., and provide information relating to any outstanding repairs that have been reported etc.

We aren't able to intervene if any agreements are not upheld or if no agreements are in place. If a customer leaves a property in poor condition (i.e., not cleaned/items left behind) we aren't responsible for the condition of the property and may not able to carry out works to rectify issues.

Is there anything else I should take into consideration when viewing a property?

Here are some final things to consider when you visit a property:

If you have pets, will the landlord of the property you are looking to exchange to accept animals?
Is the property the right size for you? If you might be under-occupying or over-occupying the property you're looking to exchange to, the application may be rejected.
Will you inherit any repairs that are the responsibility of the tenant?
What repairs has your proposed new landlord agreed to carry out? What will be the responsibility of the outgoing tenants to repair/replace?
Does the heating type suit your needs?
Does it need decorating? If so, you'll need to consider this when budgeting as you won't receive a decorating allowance for a mutual exchange.
Will exchanging affect your tenancy type?

Other ideas:

Take a copy of the advert with you so you're able to make comparisons with what was offered.
It might be useful to take a pen and paper with you so you can draw the layout of the property. You'll then have a record of what the property looks like.
Take a map of the area so that you can highlight where local amenities (like shops and transport links) are located. This will help you to identify the distance from the property.
Try to visit the area at different times of the day so that you have an idea of whether it is a quiet or a busy, noisy area to move to.
If possible, meet the neighbours and speak with them.
Bear in mind that it's your responsibility to check the condition of the home you're moving to and have the current tenant arrange for their landlord to carry out any outstanding repairs before you move.

Stay safe when viewing properties you're interested in:

When you’ve arranged to visit a property, if possible, let a friend or family member know where you’re going to visit and at what time.

If you’d like a friend or family member to go along with you, you should let the person you are visiting know that you’ll be with someone.