Mutual Exchange

1.What is a Mutual Exchange?
A mutual exchange is when tenants agree to swap their houses, with the consent of their landlord(s).

2. Can anyone apply for an exchange?
Tenants of a Local Authority, Scottish Homes, Housing Associations or of any other Registered Social Landlord. Each Landlord is likely to require that applicants have held their current tenancy, in their own name, for a minimum qualifying period. For Homes for Life Housing Partnerships tenants, this period is currently six months.

3. How do I find someone to exchange with?
We hold a mutual exchange register which gives details of people who want to swap. The current list can be seen in the office or by clicking Homes for Life Mutual Exchange List July 2010
East Lothian Council and East Lothian Housing Association both hold lists and you can apply for your details to be put on their registers. East Lothian Housing Associations list can also be viewed on their website

You can also advertise in the local press or respond to such adverts.

4. What happens when I find someone?
First of all you should contact the person and arrange to view each others houses. Homes for Life can provide check sheets to record your inspection, but you do not have to use these.

If you want to go ahead, you must get permission from both of your Landlords. Contact the Landlords and ask for mutual exchange application forms or download them here

Homes for Lifes tenants - Mutual Exchange Application Form

NON Homes for Life tenants - NON Homes for Life tenant Mutual Exchange Application Form

Forms must be submitted to both Landlords.

5. What happens next?
The Landlords will normally visit and carry out a full house inspection. Both houses must be in acceptable condition, both rent accounts must be clear and tenancy conditions must have been complied with, before permission to exchange will be granted.

6. Does the size of the house matter?
Yes. A mutual exchange will not be allowed if it will result in overcrowding or substantial under occupancy of a property.

7. Are there any conditions attached?
Yes. In applying for an exchange, both applicants agree to accept each others house in the condition they are in at the time of exchange. The Landlord will not normally do any repairs that are the tenants responsibility. Once the exchange has taken place, both applicants must live in their new home for at least six months.

8. Where can I get more information?
Simply contact the office and ask to speak to your Housing Officer.

HomeSwapper - a Free service

Registration is easy and FREE via the internet. If you have no internet access please contact the office and we can arrange for a paper registration form for you to complete. Register here

UK's most active and successful web based homeswap service, helping tenants to arrange their own mutual exchanges throughout the UK. It enables landlords to increase choice for tenants by providing an additionalhousing option. Tenants can use HomeSwapper in addition to our existing mutual exchange services.