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Exchanging council homes
If you are a council house tenant wanting to move home, you may be able to exchange your home with another council or housing association tenant - this is called mutual exchange.
Find out about mutual exchange
A mutual exchange gives council tenants the opportunity to live in the property and area that meets their needs. The process involves two or more tenants exchanging their homes.
For tenants of registered social landlords (other local authorities or housing associations) swapping your tenancy with another tenant is often the only way of moving around an area.
The following links will let you enter details of where you live and then take you to your local authority website where you can find out more.
Finding someone to exchange with
Some councils operate mutual housing exchange schemes. This is usually done through completing a form to join the council's exchange list of tenants.
Joining your council's exchange list does not guarantee that you will be able to exchange your home. Permission will not be given:
- if you, or either of the tenants, has a Notice Seeking Possession and/or a court order against them - for example for arrears or anti-social behaviour
- if the exchange would mean that one or both homes would be either overcrowded or under occupied
Sometimes there may be conditions to be fulfilled before permission is granted - for example, clearing any rent arrears or putting right any damage to the property.
Your council's area office will be able to provide advice and guidance. Your home will be inspected by the area office before any exchange and arrangements are made to test the electricity supply and fittings to ensure they are safe.
Other exchange schemes available
If the council does not operate a mutual exchange scheme there are other ways you can find someone to exchange a home with.
There are web exchange sites and most are free or charge a minimal fee. They also offer a database and forum facilities. You may have to pay for further services if you need them but all provide home exchange services.
You may also be able to find an exchange partner by advertising, either via postcard adverts in local shops or through specialised sections in newspapers.
Free exchange schemes
- House Exchange - UK-wide database and forum
- Northwards Housing - an online scheme for exchanges in the North Manchester area and, run by Manchester City Council
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