A mutual exchange allows eligible social housing tenants to swap homes with another social housing tenant. You can swap with another Fairhive resident or a tenant from another council or housing association.
If you're interested in swapping your home, you can register with Homeswapper to advertise your home, search for suitable properties and find someone to exchange with.
Once you have found a potential exchange, the mutual exchange application is made through HomeSwapper. We will receive the application and contact you about the next steps.
Before you agree to swap
Finding a property you like is exciting but take your time before deciding to exchange. We will carry out the checks required as part of the mutual exchange process, but you are responsible for making your own enquiries and satisfying yourself that the home you are considering is right for you and your household.
We recommend that you view the property more than once if possible, visit the area at different times of the day and think about the things that matter to you. This might include the condition of the property, neighbourhood, parking, transport, local services, garden and outdoor space.
Ask the other resident questions and make sure you understand the rent and other charges, what will be left at the property and the tenancy you will be taking on.
Check the condition carefully
A home you move into through mutual exchange is not prepared to our usual empty property standard.
You will accept the property in its existing condition, including its standard of decoration, so it is important that you inspect it carefully and are happy with its condition before deciding to exchange.
This does not remove our normal responsibilities as a landlord for repairs and safety obligations.
What happens after you apply?
Once your application is received through HomeSwapper, we will carry out the necessary checks to establish whether the exchange can proceed. This includes checking that the property meets your household's needs in terms of its size and, where relevant, adaptations, alongside the other tenancy and property checks required.
Submitting an application does not mean your exchange has been approved.
We will contact you as your application progresses and let you know if we need anything further from you.
Don't make moving arrangements yet.
Do not exchange keys, book removals or make firm arrangements to move until the exchange has been formally approved by all landlords involved and the required legal documentation has been completed.
