Swap your home with another tenant

Mutual home exchange

A mutual exchange is when two tenants agree to swap homes.

You must get permission from both landlords before you move. If you move without permission, you could lose your home.

We will give you a decision within 28 days of receiving your request.

Who you can swap with

You can swap homes with:

  • council tenants
  • housing association tenants
  • tenants of other councils

You can also arrange a chain of swaps involving more than two tenants.

Things to think about before you swap

Before agreeing to a swap, make sure you:

  • visit and inspect the other property
  • check the condition of the home and garden
  • understand that you are responsible for any damage or missing fixtures
  • know that no decoration or upgrades will be done by the landlord
  • consider the cost of rent, heating and moving
  • check the size and features of the home (for example, does it have a shower or bath?)
  • understand any conditions attached to the new tenancy
  • are aware of reasons why your request might be refused

Page last modified: 22 July 2025