Mutual Exchange

Mutual exchange is the right to swap your home with another tenant of this Council, a Housing Association or another Council. But you must get the Council's agreement in writing first.

How can I be registered on the Mutual Exchange list?

In the next few months, we will be developing a mutual exchange register as part of the Home-Link scheme (This link will open in a new window). You will be able to advertise your property on this website, free of charge, and search through the available properties to find a match.

Until then, if you would like to register for a mutual exchange you will need to complete an application form - please contact the Housing Advice & Options Team for further information or call the contact centre on 08450 450 051.

Your details will be entered into the Mutual Exchange register, which is situated in the Housing Services team reception area and can be viewed by members of the public looking for an exchange. It is possible for you to also view this register as an aid to finding a suitable property to exchange with.

It would be the applicant's responsibility to locate, view and discuss arrangements for an exchange with the third party.

How can I apply for a mutual exchange once I have found a suitable property?

You must write to housing services. Important details to include:

  • Your name
  • Your address
  • Your telephone number
  • The persons name you want to swap with
  • Their address
  • Their telephone number
  • Landlord of the person you would like to swap with.

What happens next?

  • Once housing services receive your request they will send both parties a Mutual Exchange application form.
  • When they are returned Housing Services will contact the third party's landlord if they are not SCDC asking for a tenancy reference.
  • The Housing Services team will check to make sure that you have no rent arrears.
  • If these are acceptable the Housing Services Officer will contact you to arrange a visit to inspect your property.
  • Following the visit the Housing Services Officer will write to you confirming that permission for the mutual exchange is granted.


It is vital that you and your exchange partner obtain written consent from both landlords before going ahead with the move.

Frequently asked questions

What are the reasons why my application may be refused?

We can only refuse permission in certain circumstances, which include:

  • One of the homes would be overcrowded - the Housing Office will tell you the maximum number of people allowed.
  • The Council is taking legal action to get possession of the home of any of the tenants involved.
  • If one of the properties is linked to a s106 agreement.
  • The exchange would mean that a home adapted for elderly or disabled people would have no one living there who needed the adaptation.
  • One of the homes would be obviously too large for the new tenants.
  • We also set certain conditions that you must meet before the exchange can go ahead including:
  • You must not owe any rent.
  • Your property and garden must be in good condition and/or acceptable to the tenant you are exchanging with.
  • If you have made improvements or alterations without our written agreement you must return the home to how it was before, unless the Council considers the improvements/alternations to be acceptable.

What if I disagree with the decision?
You have the right to appeal against the decision via the appeals procedure within 28 days of notification.

How often is the mutual exchange register updated?
Once a month.

How quickly will I know if I can do the mutual exchange?
Within 42 days of Housing Services receiving the completed form.

What happens if someone offers me money to move?
Do not accept or offer money or other rewards in connection with a mutual exchange, it could lead to an eviction and a fine.