Mutual exchanges

If you are a council tenant wanting to move home, you may be able to exchange your home with another council or housing association tenant - this is called mutual exchange. A mutual exchange can be a faster way of finding a new home than applying for a transfer, especially if your transfer application is assessed as a low priority. You will need your landlords consent to exchange.

Usually two tenants will exchange their homes but it is possible to have multiple swaps involving several tenants.

It is important to make sure that you understand what a mutual exchange would mean for you. You need to be sure that you understand all of the implications before going ahead. The following questions and answers can help you.

How do I exchange?

There are many web exchange schemes and most are free or charge a minimal fee.

Birmingham City Council tenants can now register for FREE at www.homeswapper.co.uk visit the website to find out more.

If you find a property that you are interested in, you should arrange with the tenant to visit each others homes. If both of you still wish to go ahead with the exchange, you should contact your local Tenancy and Estate Management team for permission before making any arrangements. You will need to complete an Application for a Proposed Direct Exchange form, attached below.

What do I need to consider?

When you exchange, you take on the tenancy of the person with whom you are exchanging. You should be sure that you understand and are happy with that tenancy and the conditions within it. You need to be sure that the tenant you swap with has not done anything which will cause you a problem with the tenancy in the future as you will probably be responsible for putting things right.

You can discuss the tenancy agreement and the conditions you would have to keep with the landlord and you can take independent advice from a solicitor or Citizens Advice Bureau.

Remember that Housing Association tenants have many similar rights and responsibilities as council tenants but there are some differences particularly regarding the right to buy.

You will be expected to accept the property you wish to move into in the condition it is in. If the decorations are poor or the garden is untidy you will need to put these right yourself. The landlord is only obliged to carry out the repairs it is responsible for.

Read our frequently asked questions for more information.