Swapping your home

How to get started

Before looking for a new home, you'll need to check that your tenancy allows you to swap home.

Next, you'll need to find somebody whose home you like and who wants to swap with you. You can do this by registering online with HomeSwapper.

Here you'll be able to advertise your home and see details of homes from other people looking to move.

Viewing a property and your personal safety

It is important that you view the property you want to move into because you will be accepting it in its current condition. The other tenant will also want to view your home.

Take care when inviting a stranger into your home, and when viewing theirs. Although the threat is small, be aware of your personal safety:

• make sure you are not alone when someone is viewing your home
• don’t leave valuables, car keys, etc on display
• take someone with you when viewing a property
• if you go alone, tell somebody where you are going and what time you will be back

Also, remember your safety when moving your cooker and other gas or electric appliances. Always use properly registered contractors.

You've found someone to swap with, what next?

Make sure you're happy with the home you are interested in and that the property is in good condition.

Things to consider when swapping home:

Inspect the property: Take a close look around the property to make sure it's in good condition. You shouldn't go through with the swap if you are not entirely happy with it. A mutual exchange means you would be held responsible for any property defects (except normal wear and tear) after moving in.

Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask questions like:

• How much is the rent?
• What are the neighbours like?
• What local amenities are there?

Get written permission: You and the other tenant need written permission from us (and any other landlord involved) before you can legally exchange. You must not make any arrangements to move until you have this permission.

Approval requirements: Before granting permission, we need to consider things like:

• If each home will be suitable for the proposed new household
• If there any repairs or alterations to your home that you need to fix yourself
• If there is any rent outstanding.

How to apply: Email us to request a mutual exchange application form.

Can my application be refused?

Yes.  Our most common grounds for refusal are:

• If you have a "starter tenancy", it's not possible to exchange your tenancy until it has been converted
• Your home is designed or adapted for a special need (for example, sheltered accommodation or a property with adaptations for a disabled person) and the other tenant does not have any such special need
• Either you or the other tenant have caused anti-social behaviour in the last two years
• You are currently bankrupt or subject to a Debt Relief Order
• If you owe us rent or any other money, you need to clear the debt before we can give permission
• If you have damaged your home or done any unauthorised alterations, you must put things right before we will give permission
• We have a Possession Order against you
• We have served you with a Notice Seeking Possession of your home.