Mutual exchanges
A mutual exchange is when you swap homes with another tenant. This can be an easier and quicker way to find a new home.
Homeswapper service
Northamptonshire Partnership Homes is registered with Homeswapper.
Homeswapper looks for possible swaps in the location you prefer. It then saves the swaps for later so you can review your matches at any time.
You must ask permission from us first before agreeing a home swap with another tenant.
Apply for a mutual exchange
If you have a secure tenancy, you can register for free on Homeswapper and get advice from us to help you with your move.
All parties considering a mutual exchange need to fill out an online application form on our website even if they are from another Council or Housing Association. The mutual exchange process cannot be started until all applications are received.
What happens next
By law we must make a decision within 6 weeks (42 days) of your application date.
Before we give approval we will:
- inspect your current home to ensure it is still in good condition
- identify any repairs or redecoration that are your responsibility before you leave – we will make a follow-up visit to check these have been done
- check your rent account
If you owe any rent your move will be delayed until your arrears or any other housing-related debts have been paid off.
Once we write to give permission for the exchange to go ahead, you must attend to the things the Council has asked you to do before you move.
When you exchange, both tenants must accept the other property in the condition in which it is left (including the decoration). The landlord will carry out routine repairs in accordance with your tenancy agreement but it will be your responsibility to repair any damage caused by the previous tenant.
Landlord permission requirements
If another organisation acts as the landlord for one of the two homes, they will need to give you permission before any exchange can go ahead. If you exchange without permission you may be forced to move back. Any housing benefit entitlement will also end on the day you moved without permission.
Why your mutual exchange may be refused
If your mutual exchange is refused this may be because:
- you or the other tenant have breached your tenancy agreement
- NPH or the other landlord is in the process of taking legal action against either tenant for breach of their tenancy conditions
- the properties to be swapped are too big or too small
- the properties to be swapped have disabled adaptations that are no longer needed
- the other landlord does not allow exchanges
What happens if you want to exchange with someone who has a different tenancy type?
If you have a different tenancy type to your exchange partner, they may ask you to bring your current tenancy to an end and issue your exchange partner with a new tenancy (surrender and re-grant) If you have the same tenancy type as your exchange partner, they may ask you both to sign a Deed of Assignment. This means you’ll take on the terms of their tenancy agreement and they take on yours.
Even if you have the same tenancy type as your exchange partner, it’s very likely that the tenancy terms and rent amount will be different. Make sure you understand the terms of the agreement you’ll have with your new landlord if it isn’t NPH.
Key Tenancy Types
- Secure Tenancy: Offered by local councils. It provides lifetime security and the strongest rights, including the Right to Buy.
- Assured Tenancy: Offered by housing associations. It is also a “lifetime” tenancy with high security, though some don’t have the Right to Buy.
- Introductory Tenancy: Introductory or starter tenancies are trial periods for new tenants. You do not have the right to do a mutual exchange while on probation.
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