Mutual Exchange

Apply for a Mutual Exchange

Complete an application

Once you have found an exchange partner, everyone involved must complete an application.

If you have a joint tenancy, all joint tenants must agree to the exchange and sign the application.

We cannot usually assess an application until we have received all the information from everyone involved.

Apply online

Mutual Exchange Application Form

What happens after you apply?

We will:

  • Check tenancy details
  • Review tenancy conduct
  • Check for tenancy breaches
  • Review rent accounts
  • Obtain references where another landlord is involved
  • Inspect the properties
  • Carry out safety and compliance checks

We may contact you if we need more information.

Property inspections

We inspect all properties involved in the exchange.

The inspection helps us:

  • Check the condition of the property
  • Identify tenant damage
  • Review alterations and improvements
  • Check safety and compliance requirements
  • Check electrical safety requirements

Sometimes repairs or other issues must be resolved before the exchange can proceed.

How long does it take?

We aim to make a decision within 42 days of receiving fully completed applications from everyone involved.

Our decision

We will write to you with our decision.

Approved

The exchange can go ahead.

Approved with conditions

The exchange can go ahead once specific issues have been resolved.

Examples include:

  • Clearing rent arrears
  • Completing tenant repairs
  • Removing rubbish or belongings
  • Resolving unauthorised alterations
  • Addressing tenancy breaches

Refused

If we cannot approve the exchange, we will explain why in writing.

Why might an exchange be refused?

Examples include:

  • Possession or eviction action is underway
  • Serious anti-social behaviour
  • Unresolved rent arrears
  • The move would cause overcrowding
  • The move would result in significant under-occupation
  • The property contains specialist adaptations not needed by the incoming household
  • The incoming household does not meet the requirements for sheltered or supported housing
  • False or misleading information has been provided