Mutual exchange help and guidance

Things to consider

Mutual Exchange can be a great way to move, but it’s important to think carefully about it and there a number of things to consider before making the decision to swap homes.

Let’s go through some key questions you might want to ask yourself, when considering a mutual exchange.

Mutual exchange top tips

Read our top tips for making sure that your journey to mutual exchange is a smooth and straight-forward one one.

Am I actually eligible for mutual exchange?

If you’re looking to do a mutual exchange, you have to be a housing association or council tenant who holds a current secure, assured or fixed term tenancy. You must also have the right to exchange written into your tenancy agreement. Please check your tenancy agreement before moving forward.

If you have an Assured Shorthold Tenancy or are on an Intermediate Rent tenancy, you will not be eligible to apply for mutual exchange. Please check your tenancy agreement to confirm whether you have the right to a mutual exchange.

Is the tenancy suitable?

In most cases you take on the tenancy of the person you are exchanging with. Some tenancies with other councils and housing associations are now for a fixed term whereas you may have a lifetime tenancy. You should check with the landlord on the type and length of tenancy you will be taking on and think very carefully about whether to proceed with the exchange if it is not a lifetime tenancy

Look at what type of tenancy you will have when you exchange. Not all tenancies are the same and some have fewer rights.

Is the the affordable?

Is the amount of rent due, including any services charges, affordable? It’s likely that your rent, and other charges, will change a little when moving from one house to another, so please check and take this into account.

Is the property in good condition?

It’s important to check that the condition of the property you are hoping to exchange to is satisfactory to you and your family. Make sure you check or find out that the home you’re looking to move into is in a good state before moving forward with the exchange.

What repairs are you responsible for?

 

Have you checked the terms and conditions?

Make sure that you are aware of and understand any conditions of the tenancy you’ll be taking on.

Why are they moving?

It’s a good idea to look into the reason why the other tenant wants to move. This is important to find out and it is worth visiting the property at different times to learn more about the local area.

Are you interested in buying the property one day?

If you’re looking to eventually buy the property, it’s a good idea to check that you’re able to. Many housing association’s homes cannot be bought by tenants.

Whether or not you can buy your property depends on the type of tenancy you have and when you initially obtained it.

If this is important to you, please seek advice from us for the property you are moving into. Please do not assume you have the right to purchase a property from us.

Have you thought about moving expenses?

 

It’s important to make sure that you can afford the removal expenses. If you are claiming Income Support or Universal Credit, you could qualify for a budgeting loan to help.

Mutual exchange top tips

Read our top tips for making sure that your journey to mutual exchange is a smooth and straight-forward one one.

 

What is Homeswapper?

So, you’ve decided that you want to do a mutual exchange. What next?

We’ve partnered with homeswapper.me to make the process of swapping your social housing home as easy as possible.

If you’re a current bpha tenant your entitled to a free homeswapper account. Simply register at homeswapper.me, and follow their simple steps to to start your mutual exchange journey.

To sign-up, search or apply, get started on the HomeSwapper website.

About HomeSwapper

HomeSwapper is the UKs largest community of social housing tenants looking for a house swap. It’s a one-stop platform allowing you to advertise, search and apply for a mutual exchange, all in one place.

By setting up an online account, you can:

  • advertise your home
  • find a swap from properties all over the UK
  • message other swappers
  • arrange visits
  • confirm and apply for a mutual exchange

It’s simple to sign-up and if you’re a bpha customer, it’s all free.

Further support

If you have further questions about mutual exchange, or need any additional support, get in touch with our customer service team we’d be happy to help.

If you have questions or support needs regarding HomeSwapper, more help can be found at homeswapper.me/help-centre/

If you would like further information about our approach to mutual exchanges, our mutual exchange policy can be found here.

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