What is a Mutual Exchange?

A mutual exchange is when two (or more) council or housing association tenants agree to swap homes with each other, with their landlords’ permission.

2. Who can apply for a Mutual Exchange?

You can apply if:

You are a council or housing association tenant with a secure, assured, or fixed-term tenancy.

You don’t have rent arrears (or have agreed a repayment plan your landlord accepts).

Your tenancy agreement allows exchanges.

3. How do I start the process?

Register on our website and create a listing for your property.

Search for other homes that meet your needs.

Contact tenants directly through the platform.

Once you find a match, both tenants must apply to their landlords for approval.

4. Does my Landlord need to Approve?

Yes. All landlords involved must give permission before the swap can take place. They may refuse if:

There are rent arrears.

The property is too large or too small for your household.

The home is adapted (e.g., for disability needs) and unsuitable for the incoming tenant.

Legal action (like eviction proceedings) is in progress.

5. Is there a fee to Swap?

Our site charges a small membership fee to market your property. However, the swap itself is free – you don’t pay your landlord to exchange.

6. How long does it take?

Once both tenants submit exchange forms, landlord will inspect both properties and ensure the right number of bedrooms are qualified, landlords usually have up to 42 days to give a decision.

7. What happens if my exchange is approved?

You and the other tenant agree a moving date.

Both parties sign new tenancy agreements.

You arrange your move (removals, bills, utilities, etc.).

8. Can I swap with someone outside my area?

Yes. You can swap with tenants from another council or housing association, anywhere in the UK, as long as both landlords agree.

9. What if I change my mind?

You can withdraw from an exchange at any point before signing the new tenancy agreement.

10. Can I swap more than once?

Yes. You can apply for another mutual exchange later, as long as you continue to meet the conditions.

11. How do I make my property listing more appealing?

Upload clear photos of your home.

Provide accurate details (number of bedrooms, garden, parking, adaptations, etc.).

Be honest about rent costs, council tax band, and location.

12. Who do I contact for help?

If you have questions about the swap process, contact your housing officer/landlord. For help with using the website, Please contact us.

13. How many images do I need to upload?

We only approve listings that have at least 4 images. This ensures that you are marketing your property.

1. Front of property

2. Living room

3.Kitchen

4 At least 1 bedroom

14. What are tags?

Some users will search for properties using the tag button. To ensure your property shows on the search results, please use the tags that are relevant to your property.

15. Why isn’t there a matching Facility?

After extensive research from other house exchange websites and users, we believe that the matching facility does not always work, instead we have allowed our users to use filters to find their own matches such as 3 bed house with a dining room.

16. Can I list my property for free?

Yes you can list your property on our website for free but you will not receive messages as this function is only available to Members that have a Listing Membership.

17. Other house exchange sites are free, why do I have to pay?

We wanted to create a house exchange website for serious swappers. Other free sites have listings that have been on the site for over 5 years. One of the reasons they have not moved, is because they are time wasters and have not had to pay for their listing.

18. Why is there Offered and Wanted options to search for a property?

1. Offered is the properties that are offered to swap.

2. Wanted is the type of property the person wants.

19. What does Claim listing mean?

If your property is already listed on our website, you can claim the listing, edit the listing and upload updated images.