Mutual Exchanges

A mutual exchange is a way of moving home by swapping with another council or housing association tenant. If you are an existing Homes in Somerset customer and would like to move, this could be a good option for you, whether you want to stay local or move elsewhere in the UK.

You can swap with another Homes in Somerset customer, or with any council or housing association tenant who has the right to exchange and wants to swap homes with you. We will need to approve the exchange before you move. You cannot exchange if you have a starter, demoted, introductory or non-secure tenancy.

We recommend registering with HomeSwapper to look for someone to swap with. HomeSwapper is free for Homes in Somerset customers.

Once you have found someone who wants to swap, you can apply through HomeSwapper using SwapTracker. SwapTracker guides you through each step and keeps communication between you and Homes in Somerset in one place.

You and the tenant you want to swap with must both get written permission from your landlords before exchanging. You could be evicted if you move without permission.

Finding someone to swap with

You can use tenancy exchange websites to advertise your home and look for a swap. Homes in Somerset customers can use HomeSwapper for free. Other websites, such as House Exchange and Exchange Locata, may charge a fee.

When you register, you can add details about your home, what you are looking for, contact other tenants and arrange viewings.

You must not charge or accept money for a mutual exchange. This is illegal and could put your tenancy at risk.

Once you find a possible swap, you can apply online through HomeSwapper. We will then invite the other households involved to apply too.

If you cannot apply online, please call us on 0800 585 360 and we can help.

Before you apply

Before you apply, please make sure you are ready to exchange. All landlords involved must agree before a move date can be confirmed.

Landlords have six weeks to respond in writing once they receive all the requests. This is the decision period only and does not mean you will move within six weeks.

Before you apply, please make sure:

• You have a secure tenancy
• Your rent account is clear
• You do not owe any former rent, court costs or recharges
• There is no active Notice Seeking Possession or court order against your tenancy
• There are no repairs outstanding that you have not reported
• Your home and garden are clean, tidy and in good condition
• The people applying to move into your home are suitable for the property

You are responsible for checking the home you want to move into is right for you and your household.

Property inspections

As part of the process, we will arrange for a surveyor to inspect your home. They will check each room, any changes you have made and any damage.

Please make sure we can easily see all rooms and walls. You may need to move furniture or take down pictures before the visit.

If there are repairs, damage or other issues, you may need to put these right before the exchange can go ahead.

Some changes may also need to be accepted by the incoming tenant as part of the process.

More than two households exchanging

If more than two households are swapping homes, each household must complete a mutual exchange application through HomeSwapper.

Why an exchange may be refused

We can only refuse a mutual exchange for legal reasons. If this happens, we will write to you within six weeks and explain why.

Reasons may include:

• You have a Notice of Seeking Possession or relevant Court Order
• You are in rent arrears
• You have a starter, demoted, introductory or non-secure tenancy
• Your home comes with your job and you work for your landlord
• Your home has been adapted for someone with specific needs, and nobody in the new tenant’s household needs those adaptations
• The home you want to move to is larger than your household needs
• The home you want to move to is too small and your household would be overcrowded

If a landlord misses the six-week deadline, they cannot legally refuse permission, but you must still have written consent before you move.

Landlords may still set conditions, such as asking for rent arrears to be cleared before the exchange goes ahead.

Appealing a decision

If you think your application has been turned down unfairly, please contact us on 0800 585 360 so we can explain the decision and talk through your options.