Mutual exchange

If you want to change your social rented home, you may be able to swap with another resident through a process called ‘mutual exchange’. Here, you’ll find guidance on what to do when permanently swapping your rented home. This includes information about your eligibility, finding a mutual exchange and how to apply.

Eligibility

If you hold a secure, assured or fixed-term tenancy and have passed your probationary period, you may be eligible to exchange homes with anyone who rents:

• another L&Q home
• another housing association home
• a local council home

Please note that you will not be able to swap with someone else if:

• you are within the first 12 months of your current tenancy with L&Q
• either resident has been issued a Notice Seeking Possession on certain grounds and the Notice is still in force
• either resident is subject to a Possession Order or Possession proceedings have been started on certain grounds
• either resident is subject to a Suspended Possession Order for antisocial or riot-related behaviour
• either resident, a person residing with the resident or visitor is the subject of an antisocial behaviour injunction, ASBO or an injunction order under s1 in the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014
• the home is too small or large for the incoming resident and their family (we will decide whether the home is too small or large)
• the home is adapted to the needs of a disabled person and these adaptions are not needed by the incoming resident or family members
• the home is tied to a person’s employment with L&Q

How to find a home

You can register for free with HomeSwapper.

This service lets you search for homes you’d like to move into and advertise your home to people looking to move.

You may also be able to find an exchange by advertising in local shops and papers or speaking to family and friends.

The application process

Once you’ve spoken with the person you want to swap with and each sees the other’s home, you’ll need to apply for a swap through Homeswapper.

To do that, visit the website and select the ‘Found a Swap? Apply Now’ button on the property you want to exchange with.

This will let you fill out all your details, upload all the documents we need and keep track of your application until you receive your decision.

Please make sure you provide all necessary information. If you don’t, your application might be delayed or cancelled.

We’ll then need to check if you’re eligible to proceed. This includes checking your household details on our system and checking your home's condition and whether you have rent arrears.

If the person you want to swap homes with is not an L&Q resident, we’ll also need to write to their landlord to request a reference and forward them your reference.

You must be available for a property, gas and electric check, otherwise, we won’t be able to move forward with your application.

We will decide within 42 days, and you’ll receive a letter granting or refusing permission to swap homes.

Please do not move until you have had a written approval letter from us and the gas and electric checks have been completed. We’ll then agree on a suitable move date with you.

Things to consider before you swap homes

Make sure you look carefully at the property’s condition and how it is decorated to make sure you are satisfied – properties are taken as seen.

Check if your right to buy or right to acquire would be affected by moving.

Make sure the property is the right size for you – that it’s not too big or small.

Check that you haven’t got any rent arrears. These will need to be paid off before you can exchange.

If you want to exchange homes with someone who doesn’t rent a property with us, they’ll have to contact their landlord to complete an application.

Offering or accepting an incentive to make an exchange happen is illegal.

If you have concerns about any potentially illegal or fraudulent activity, you should get in touch with our customer service centre.