If you already a social housing (Council or housing association) tenant, you may be able to exchange your home with another social housing tenant so that you can both live somewhere that suits you better. It doesn't have to be within the same local authority area - this is a way of moving right away if you want to.

Multi-way exchanges

Mutual Exchanges don't have to involve just 2 parties. It is possible to set up arrangements involving several properties, if necessary.

Exchange Lists

You should always approach your own landlord about the possibility of a mutual exchange (even if you don't want to stay in the area). If they keep a list of interested people you can apply to join and look at the details of people who are already advertising.

Some social landlords are able to search for a suitable match for you, by using their computer system.

Websites

As well as your landlord's list, there are other internet-based lists you can look at (some you have to pay a subscription for). If you have access to the internet, enter 'Mutual Exchange' into the search engine.

When you Find a Suitable Arrangement

You must always wait for the landlords' permissions before exchanging homes with someone. Permission will NOT be unreasonably denied.

When permission is given for you to move, you will actually be taking on the rights and responsibilities in the tenancy agreement that your exchange partner has held previously - this is known as an 'Assignment'. You will also lose any rights and responsibilities that you have had under your current tenancy.