Mutual Exchange

Did you know that we offer access to a Mutual Exchange service, where customers can swap homes (dependent on suitability and size)? 

A mutual exchange doesn't just mean you have to swap like for like.
You could:

  • Downsize
  • Upsize
  • Swap across the country… or down the road
  • Swap a flat for a house… or a house for a maisonette
  • Get somewhere with a garden
  • Find a property without stairs or adapted for the disabled.

Once you have found the property you wish to swap you must always obtain the written permission from both landlords. Your landlords will then complete all the paperwork with you and let you know if you are eligible for a swap.

If you are interested in the mutual exchange scheme then you can:

A mutual exchange enables you to swap your home with that of another of our customers or a customer of another housing association or council, providing they have the right to mutual exchange and agree to swap homes with you.

All assured customers can apply for an exchange at any time during their tenancy. Fixed-term or starter customers cannot exchange their home in the first 12 months, or during any extension period, but they can exchange once they’ve successfully completed their probation period.

We encourage our customers who want to move to consider the option of exchanging their home especially if they are not high priority for a transfer on the housing waiting list. You cannot carry out an exchange if you have a starter tenancy. Please contact us if you are unsure about the type of tenancy you have.

Mutual exchange can be the fastest, easiest way to find the right home for you, especially if you are not considered a priority under the transfer or choice-based lettings schemes. We encourage all customers who want to move to consider the option of mutual exchange.

Existing 54North Homes customers (or customers of a landlord who is registered with Homeswapper)

  • Visit the HomeSwapper site and register your details (if you haven’t already done so)
  • Please ensure you select your HomeSwapper-approved landlord (failure to do so may result in being charged to use the service)
  • Your account will need to be authorised for approval by your landlord (this can take a couple of days)
  • After your account is approved you can apply for an exchange directly through the website
  • On your HomeSwapper dashboard you will see a button to “Apply” for an exchange. Please note: the “Apply” button will only be shown once we have approved your account

** Please be aware that registration of a HomeSwapper account where not supported by your landlord may result in a fee being charged to use the service**

 

We have 42 calendar days (6 weeks) to either approve or refuse your application.

In this time we will carry out initial checks, conduct a property inspection and submit, receive and review references. If approval is given we will arrange the necessary gas and electric safety checks. Checks can take up to two weeks to book in. The exchange cannot take place until these are completed. As soon as we have confirmation that the safety checks and any follow-up works have been completed, we will contact you to arrange a tenancy sign-up appointment(s). It is essential that all parties involved in the swap attend the appointment(s).

If there are arrears or outstanding repairs, authorisation may be conditional on these issues being sorted out.

Permission can be refused for a number of reasons, including if you or the other customer:

  • Have arrears
  • Have a possession order
  • Have current action against you to deal with anti-social behaviour or any other serious tenancy issues
  • Will over-occupy the property
  • Will under-occupy the property by more than one room
  • Do not fit the needs of the property – i.e. if the property is designed or adapted for someone with a physical disability

Your Housing Officer will conduct a property inspection. They will check the condition of the property and any outstanding repairs. You will receive a copy of the visit report. Outstanding repair works that are the customer’s responsibility must be completed before sign-up.

It is your responsibility, as the incoming customer, to inspect the property before you agree to move and again before the tenancy sign-up appointment because any outstanding repairs will be your responsibility and may be charged.

The incoming customer will sign a disclaimer, which will list any non-standard “gifted” items left at the property (e.g. curtain poles, sheds etc.). These will become their responsibility to maintain. 54North Homes will not repair or replace these items at any point in the tenancy.

 

You should never accept offers of a payment or a bribe to carry out an exchange. This is illegal and could lead to you losing your home. In addition, any exchange that is carried out without your landlord’s consent would also result in you losing your home.