What if I want to swap homes? A Guide to the Mutual Exchange Scheme You have the right to exchange your home with another of our tenants, or a tenant of another Housing Association or NIHE. You have to get our permission (and the permission of the other landlord if one is involved). But we cannot refuse consent without giving you a good reason.


:: How do I find someone to swap with?
:: What should I do when I find a possible exchange?
:: What are the grounds for refusing consent?
:: Are there any conditions to the move?
:: If the property I want needs repairing, will be repaired?
:: Once I've found someone to swap, how do I apply?
:: We have agreed which date to move, what else do I have to do?
:: Can I get help with removal expenses?


:: How do I find someone to swap with?

This is a self-help scheme available to any tenant. People with low points in the transfer queue or have been waiting for over two years for a move should actively explore the exchange possibility.


:: What should I do when I find a possible exchange?

Make arrangements to view each other's properties. Please remember to make contact with the other tenant by telephone or letter before viewing. Don't pay or accept money for an exchange. There could be legal problems later.
:: What are the grounds for refusing consent?

We, or the other landlord, may not allow tenants to move if:


The home has been built or adapted for disabled people or is part of a group of special needs accommodation and the swap would result in the home being occupied by someone without those needs.


:: Are there any conditions to the move?

You will be asked to clear any rent you still owe and remedy any breach in your tenancy e.g. poor condition of property or garden.


:: If the property I want needs repairing, will it be repaired?

You should not rely on advice from the person moving out that repairs will be done. We list items that we are not responsible for. We will not redecorate between one person leaving and another one moving in. The other tenants' responsibilities will usually become yours when you exchange tenancies, therefore check for any damage/alteration that may be passed on to you.


:: Once I've found someone to swap with, how do I apply?

You will need to get our permission (and that of the other landlord if there is one) by completing a Mutual Exchange Consent form available from our head office. We must respond by visiting you at home. We can only refuse because of one of the specified reasons.
Do not move until you have got the permission of both landlords, or you could end up homeless.

:: We have agreed which date to move, what else do I have to do?

You will usually be asked to surrender your existing tenancy and sign up for a new one. Other landlords may ask you to accept an assignment from their tenant to enable you to move.


:: Can I get help with removal expenses?

If you are claiming Income Support you might qualify for some help from the Benefits Agency (DSS). Hiring removal vans, disconnecting and reconnecting services and so on can be expensive. Find out about the costs before you agree to move.