Mutual Exchanges - What you need to know
What is a mutual exchange?
A tenancy exchange, or mutual exchange, is when two or more council or housing association tenants legally swap homes.
To do this, you must
- Find someone to swap with
- Get written permission from both landlords
- Complete the legal paperwork
Swapping without permission or proper documentation can lead to eviction.
How do I find a property to swap with?
You can explore home swaps through national databases like:
- Homeswapper (homeswapper.co.uk)
- House Exchange (houseexchange.org.uk)
These sites ask about your current property and your housing preferences to help find suitable matches.
For more details on Homeswapper, ask your Housing Officer for a leaflet.
Additionally, you can use social media, such as Pembrokeshire, Wales, or UK-wide Facebook groups, to find swaps. You can also enquire within your local community.
How do I apply for a mutual exchange?
Once you've found a mutual home swap, both parties must request permission from their respective landlords in writing. Your landlord should sen dyou the necessary forms, and will respond to your request in writing.
What happens next?
A Housing Officer will conduct a joint visit to your property with a member of the Building Maintenance team, to ensure that they are happy with the condition of the property and to have a face to face conversation with you to iron out any issues. If your application is successful, you will then need to fill in the legal paperwork, to officially exchange tenancies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I exchange to a different County within Wales, or outside of Wales?
Yes- you are able to swap homes locally or to another part of the Country.
Can my landlord refuse my application to swap?
Yes- but only if there is a valid reason. This could include:
- Rent arrears or breaches of tenancy by either tenant.
- The property is deemed too large or too small for the new tenants.
- Adapted properties may only be swapped with someone who needs the adaptations.
- The exchange could lead to overcrowding or under-occupying.
- There are legal issues with one of the tenancies (e.g., pending eviction).
What happens if I want to withdraw from the exchange?
Both tenants must agree to the swap before it is finalised. If either party changes their mind before the paperwork is completed, the exchange will not go ahead. Once new occupation contracts / tenancy agreements are signed, backing out can be difficult.
How long does the mutual exchange process take?
The process varies depending on the landlords involved. It can take a few weeks to several months for all the necessary inspections, paperwork, and approvals to be completed.
What should I do if my mutual exchange is denied?
- Ask your landlord for the specific reasons behind the denial.
- Address any outstanding issues (e.g., rent arrears or repairs).
- Explore other housing options, such as applying for a transfer.
If you are unsure about whether you are eligible for an exchange or unsure of what steps to take before applying for an exchange, please get in touch with your Housing Officer to discuss.
