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Swapping your home - the basics

If you’re a council or housing association tenant and you want to move, you may be able to swap your home for another council or housing association property.

There are certain rules you need to follow and you must get permission to swap from your landlord (either your council or housing association) before you move.

Once permission is given you’ll be sent a ‘Deed of Assignment’. This legally transfers the other tenant’s tenancy to you and you can then move.

Join a mutual exchange scheme

Mutual exchange schemes help you find a property and advertise your home to other tenants who want to move.

Your landlord may run their own scheme for their tenants. Alternatively, they will direct you to an independent exchange scheme, and may pay the subscription fee on your behalf. 'Independent' means it is not run by a council.

You can also search online for independent exchange schemes. You can join as many as you want.

• Find and apply for a mutual exchange at your council Opens new window

• Find your housing association Opens new window

HomeSwap Direct

HomeSwap Direct lets you search for matches across a number of independent exchange scheme websites. You can take advantage of this search facility if your landlord subscribes to an exchange scheme run by:

• Homeswapper
• House Exchange
• Abritas
• LHS (Locata)

• Homeswapper Opens new window

• House Exchange Opens new window

Who can swap homes?

All council tenants with a secure tenancy have the right to swap their home, subject to certain rules (see 'Swapping homes - the rules' below).

Housing association tenants with assured tenancies generally have the right to swap unless their tenancy agreement prevents it.

If you're in any other position, it's up to your landlord to decide whether or not you can swap. If your landlord has given you the right to swap in a contract you've signed, they can't stop you swapping without good reason.

If you're unsure what type of tenancy you have, contact your local council or housing association or use Shelter's tenancy checker.

If you want to move but don't have a secure or assured tenancy, get advice as there may be other options available to you. You can get housing advice from your council, housing association or organisations like Shelter or Citizens Advice.

• Tenancy checker - Shelter Opens new window

• Council tenancies

• Housing association tenancies

Swapping homes – the rules

You can’t normally swap your home if you or the tenant of the property you want to move to:

• don’t have your landlord’s permission to move
  
• owe rent – this must be paid first
  
• are in the process of being evicted (having your tenancy ended early)
  
• want to move to a property that’s too big – for example, there are more bedrooms than you need
  
• want to move to a property that’s too small – moving in would make it overcrowded

For more detail about when you can’t swap homes, contact your landlord.

How to swap homes – a step by step guide

The basic steps are shown below. For more detailed information contact your landlord.

Step 1: join a mutual exchange scheme

When you join a scheme(s) you usually provide a description of your property and the type of property you want to move into. For example, its size and location.

Step 2: find a home to swap with

You can search for properties online through your exchange scheme’s website. Your council/landlord may also have a list of properties in its offices. Information on how to contact other tenants will be included with the property’s details.

Step 3: contact who you want to swap with

You’re responsible for contacting the tenant to ask if they are interested in swapping homes. If they are, arrange to visit each other to make sure the properties are right for you. You should:

• take a friend with you for your own safety
  
• have a good look around – when you swap you accept the property in its current condition
  
• ask the tenant why they want to move – it could be because of anti-social behaviour in the area

Step 4: get your landlord’s permission

Write to your landlord asking for their permission to move. The other tenant must get their landlord’s permission too.

Your landlord will let you know in writing if you have their permission to swap. They must do this within 42 days from your request to swap properties.

If your landlord doesn’t give you permission, you can ask for this decision to be reviewed. Contact your landlord to find out about the review process.

Step 5: your current home is checked by your landlord

Your landlord will check your current home’s condition. If you’re responsible for any damage, like a broken window, permission to swap will not be given until the damage is repaired.

Step 6: swapping homes

If permission is given, your new landlord will send you a Deed of Assignment. Once signed, you are the legal tenant of your new property and can arrange a moving date.

The tenancy you take over may be slightly different from your previous one. Make sure you understand any changes in the tenancy you are taking on. If you don't understand, ask your landlord or get independent legal advice.

More useful links

• Who to notify when you move home

• Looking for work (employment section)

• Neighbourhood Statistics Opens new window