What Is a Mutual Exchange?

A mutual exchange is when two or more social housing tenants agree to swap homes permanently. It can be a great option if your current home is too big, too small, or if you’re simply looking for a fresh start somewhere new.

Can I Swap My Home?

You may be able to exchange your home if:

  • You have the right type of tenancy
  • You don’t owe any rent
  • You’re moving into a home that’s the right size for your household
  • You’re not moving into a home with specialist features (e.g., a wet room) unless you’ve been assessed and approved
  • You’re not currently facing eviction or under a legal notice for breaching your tenancy
  • You meet any extra local criteria for the area you’re moving to

How Do I Find Someone to Swap With?

  1. Register for free on HomeSwapper – this is available to all Teachers’ Housing Association tenants with an assured or secure tenancy.
  2. Browse listings and message other tenants to find a suitable match.
  3. Visit each other’s homes to ensure you’re both happy with the swap.

What Happens Once You’ve found a match?

Fill out our Application for Exchange of Tenancy form so we can check your eligibility. We’ll then:

  1. Make sure your rent account is up to date – all rent must be cleared before the swap.
  2. If you’re moving into a Teachers’ Housing Association property, one month’s rent (or pro rata if after the 1st of the month) will be required in advance.
  3. Never pay or accept money to swap homes – it’s illegal and could lead to eviction.
  4. Do not move until you’ve received written permission and all paperwork has been signed.

What Will We Do to Guide You Through The Process

  • Check eligibility and send you the application form
  • Book a home visit and arrange safety checks for gas, electricity, and any urgent repairs.
  • Contact other landlords if the exchange involves a different housing provider. This includes requesting a reference from the other landlord before we agree to an exchange.
  • Confirm if you’re approved to move, or letting you know if your application has been refused – and why.
  • Note: Teachers’ Housing Association will only carry out emergency or urgent repairs. Decoration and non-essential work will be accepted “as seen.” You will be responsible for paying for safety checks (or agreeing on who pays for this with the person you’re exchanging with).

FAQs

How do I find someone to swap with?
Register on HomeSwapper – it’s free and easy to use. You’ll be notified when a potential match is found, or you can search listings yourself. HomeSwapper advises tenants to upload photos of their property to increase interest.

What if the other home isn’t in good condition?
Before the exchange, we’ll inspect your property to check its condition. For a tenant coming into a Teachers’ Housing Association home, you’ll be accepting it “as seen,” so inspect it carefully and agree with the other tenant on any repairs or cleaning needed. Only emergency repairs will be covered by us after you move in.

Can I swap with someone who isn’t a Teachers’ Housing Association tenant?
Yes. You can swap with tenants from other housing associations or councils, as long as both parties are eligible and hold the same tenancy type.