Mutual exchange scheme and
HomeSwapper
As a council or housing
association tenant you may be able to swap properties with another
tenant under the mutual exchange scheme. This is especially useful
for tenants who:
- are interested in moving to a new area
- want to find a more suitable home
- need a smaller or larger home
A mutual exchange happens when two tenants decide to swap
tenancies (or when three or more tenants decide to move round in a
'chain') and means that you take over the other party's tenancy
with any rights or limitations that go with it. This must be with
the agreement of everyone's landlords.
How to find a mutual exchange
If you are a council tenant and want to swap homes you will need
to register with HomeSwapper.
HomeSwapper is the UK's largest mutual exchange service for
Council and Housing Association tenants looking to swap homes.
HomeSwapper can be used to help you find an exchange locally or
right across the UK, and is free to all West Lancashire District
Council Tenants. For more information or to register now, go to
www.homeswapper.co.uk
(external link).
What to do when you have found an exchange
It's important that you have your landlords written permission
before moving. If you are a council tenant, you need to complete a
Request to Effect Mutual Exhange form and send it back to us.
Before agreeing to a mutual exchange your council or housing
association landlord will consider a number of criteria including
whether:
- The property size suits your needs
- The property has been adapted or is part of a sheltered scheme
and the new tenant has no need for this type of accommodation
- Your home is subject to a court order for possession
- Your rent account is in arrears
- You have carried out improvements/alterations without
consent
- There are repairs outstanding which you are responsible
for
Take the time to view the property very carefully as you will
take on responsibility for any alterations and non-standard
fixtures and fittings.
You shouldn't make any arrangements to move until you've
received notification from the landlord - in writing - that the
exchange has been agreed. If two landlords are involved, you will
need letters from both.
Once the exchange has been approved, you and the other tenant
will have to sign a 'deed of assignment' which means that you are
accepting the property in its current condition. Once that's
completed, then you can move!
Contact us
Queries about proceeding with an exchange once you've chosen a
property should be made to the Voids and Allocations team on 01695
585297 or email voidsandallocationsteam@westlancsdc.gov.uk
Related information
> Contact the housing teams
> Rents and
benefits
> Tenant and resident groups