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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.