How to move home via mutual exchange

How to move home via mutual exchange

Moving house via mutual exchange could be quicker and simpler than bidding on available homes on the housing lists.

As a Citizen customer, a mutual exchange allows you to swap your tenancy with another customer – this is especially useful if you’re struggling to find a suitable property through the normal application process.

You can also swap with customers of other housing associations too.

A mutual exchange works by:

• Finding a swap partner: You can use the HomeSwapper service to find someone to swap with. It matches customers with others who are looking to exchange. You can search for a home in a particular area or for a home that better suits your needs.
• Requesting permission: Before you swap your home, you will need approval from your landlord, and this also applies to your swap partner. We will check both properties are suitable for the customers involved and ensure the swap complies with all tenancy rules.
• Completing the exchange: Once you have approval, the exchange can be completed. You will need to make sure your current home is in a good condition before you move out and your new home is ready to settle into.

Things to consider include:

• Eligibility: You will need to check whether the property you are interested in is eligible for a swap as not all Citizen homes are available for mutual exchange.
• Condition of the property: Ensure the home you are moving to is in a good condition and meets your needs. You should also leave your home in a good condition to avoid any problems when moving out.
• Ensuring your account is up to date: We need you to keep your account up to date and ensure there are no rent arrears or anti-social behaviour markers on your account.
• Checking the terms of your new tenancy: Before completing a mutual exchange, make sure to review the rent and rules of your new tenancy. This helps ensure you don’t lose any rights or benefits from your current home and that you’re aware of your obligations in the new property.
• Landlord approval: You will need approval from us before you start the mutual exchange process.

Our Director of Housing Care and Support Peter Gill said: “A mutual exchange is a great option if you’re struggling to find a property during the usual application process. With a mutual exchange you can bypass long waiting lists and when you find a match, you can move as soon as both landlords have given approval.

“There is also more control with a mutual exchange as you’re able to control when and where you move so you can choose a property that better suits your needs.

“There are no limits to where you can move—whether it’s another Citizen property or from a different housing association. You have the flexibility to find a home in a location you prefer or with features that suit your lifestyle.”

To start the mutual exchange process, register with HomeSwapper. It’s free to sign up, and once you find a potential match, you can request approval from Citizen – and if everything is in order, you’ll be ready to make your move.

For more information call us on 0300 790 6555 or visit our website.

For media enquiries contact our Communications Team.