Mutual exchange

If you are a secure tenant you have the right to exchange properties with another Council tenant. Both parties must obtain written permission from the landlord.

You can also exchange with tenants of housing associations within the city and in other areas. Again both landlords must grant written permission before an exchange can be agreed.

Arranging a mutual exchange

Your local housing office will register you on the exchange list and provide you with details of City Council tenants whose requirements match yours, together with contact details if requested.

If you find someone interested in exchanging with you whose property suits your needs it is advisable to meet with them and visit each other's property.

Please refer to the safety tips page before visiting any properties.

Once you have found someone to exchange with , both parties must complete application forms available at your local housing office.

The Council will inform you in writing within six weeks whether the exchange will be granted, refused or deferred.

Please note: Mutual exchanges are a legal right for secure tenants. People on introductory tenancies can only apply for one with the written permission of the relevant housing office.

Grounds for refusal

The application to exchange will be refused if:

• there is a court order against you on any grounds, including rent arrears.
• there is a current notice of seeking possession in force on grounds one to six of schedule 11 to the Housing Act 1985.
• your proposed new property is too big for your needs by more than one bedroom.
• your proposed new property is too small for your needs resulting in statutory overcrowding.
• the property is specifically designed or adapted for the elderly and/or disabled and you do not qualify for such housing.

Grounds for deferring

The application to exchange will be deferred if:

• there are rent arrears but no court order or notice of seeking possession.
• there are rent arrears outstanding in respect of a former tenancy.
• there is money outstanding in respect of a former tenancy.
• there are non fair wear and tear repair defects or unauthorised tenants improvements which must be rectified before an exchange can take place.
• there is a matter with the tenancy that must be resolved before and exchange can take place.

Once the reason for deferment has been resolved your exchange should be granted.

State of repair

It is important that you carefully check the property you want to move to, prior to undertaking the exchange, as you will be accepting it in its current condition. Housing and residential services will only undertake repairs in accordance with policy and check essential services. It will not accept responsibility for any alterations or damage caused by the existing tenant.

It is in your own interest to carefully read the application form for mutual exchange.

Any queries relating to mutual exchanges should be made to your housing officer at your local housing office.

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