Mutual Exchanges

How to find and apply for a Mutual Exchange with Wherry.

What is a mutual exchange?

A mutual exchange is when tenants from two or more homes swap their properties. Mutual exchange can be a good way to move to a new home without having to join the council's housing register.

Who can apply to mutually exchange?

Not all tenants can swap homes through mutual exchange. If you have an Assured Shorthold Tenancy then legally you cannot mutually exchange your home. This will also apply if you have not lived with us very long and are on a Starter tenancy. Please check your tenancy agreement for more information or contact us before applying to mutual exchange.

Who can I apply to swap with?

You can apply for an exchange with another qualifying tenant from Wherry, or another Council or Housing Association.

How do I find someone to swap with?

There are lots of different ways to find someone to swap homes with. One of the most popular ways of find somewhere is online and there are lots of different websites to choose from. Wherry subscribe to House Exchange which is free and really easy to use

The House Exchange website can be found here:

If you don't have access to the internet, but would still like to use House Exchange then please call us on 01603 703581. We can register for you and search on your behalf.

Looking online isn't the only way - you could also try putting adverts in shop windows and in the local paper.

Why would a mutual exchange be refused?

There are some reasons why an application to exchange might be refused;

You're not eligible to exchange with your type of tenancy agreement.

You have paid, fraudulently arranged or pressured someone to exchange with you.

Additonally there are reasons that are set out in Ground 3 of the Housing Act 1985 and refer to either you or the household you wish to swap with. They include but are not limited to:

There is a possession order or possession proceedings outstanding or a notice seeking possession in force.

The home would either be too small, too big or not suitable in another way.

There is an injunction or an anti-social behaviour order in place.

The home is connected to being employed somewhere.

The home is specifically designed for the disabled or for specific needs e.g. sheltered or supported.

The home is part of group accomodation designated for special needs.

There are also additional grounds on which we can reasonably refuse an exchange to assured tenants. Please ask our Neighbourhood Team for more information should this be the case.

How do you apply for an exchange and what happens next?

Tenants of Wherry wishing to exchange to another property will need to complete a Mutual Exchange Application form which can be found here: Mutual Exchange Application Form (32 KB)

Once the completed form is received by Wherry we have 42 days in which to make a decision on whether the exchange can be allowed. During this time we will complete a property inspection, arrange a gas and electric check to be carried out if applicable and contact the landlord of the other property for a suitable reference.

We will write to you with our desision. If it has been approved we will then contact you to arrange a good moving date.

You must not move until you have written permission from us. If you move without our permission this could cancel the mutual exchange application.

For any further queries regarding mutual exchange please contact the Neighbourhood Team on 01603 783581 or email us.

Last modified 23/04/12