Mutual exchange of social rented housing
Information about exchanging your home with another council or housing association tenant.
What is mutual exchange of social rented housing?
If you are a housing association tenant wanting to move home, you may be able to exchange your home with another council or housing association tenant - this is called mutual exchange.
What is involved in mututal exchange?
A mutual exchange gives council tenants the opportunity to live in the property and area that meets their needs. The process involves two or more tenants exchanging their homes.
For tenants of registered social landlords swapping your tenancy with another tenant is often the only way of moving around an area.
How do I find someone to exchange with?
Hertsmere Borough Council does not operate a mututal exhange scheme, nor does it hold a list persons wanting to move.
If you are interested in mutual exchange then there are various web exchange sites that you can visit, most are free or charge a minimal fee.
You may also be able to find an exchange partner by advertising, either via postcard adverts in local shops or through specialised sections in newspapers.
Websites that you can visit which offer free exchange schemes:
- www.homeswapper.co.uk
- www.council-exchange.org
- www.houseexchange.org.uk
- www.houseswapforum.co.uk
- www.underoneroofexchange.co.uk
Will I be allowed to exchange my property?
You will not be able to exchange your property if:
- you, or either of the tenants, has a “Notice Seeking Possession” and/or a court order against them - for example for arrears or anti-social behaviour, or
- the exchange would mean that one or both homes would be either overcrowded or under occupied.
Sometimes there may be conditions to be fulfilled before permission is granted - for example, clearing any rent arrears or putting right any damage to the property.
The Housing Assocation that you are a tenant of should be able to provide advice and guidance. Your home will be inspected by the area office before any exchange and arrangements are made to test the electricity supply and fittings to ensure they are safe.