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Mutual Exchange

What is a mutual exchange?

A mutual exchange is when tenants mutually decide to swap homes.  When you exchange, you take on the home of the other person and they take on your home.

An exchange can help you get a new property and does not involve going on the housing transfer register.

Before a mutual exchange can take place, all parties involved must gain permission from their landlord first.   

Mutual Exchange Process

What is the exchange process?

Before you can exchange homes, you first need to identify and agree who you wish to exchange with. This can be another Halton Housing customer, a customer of another housing association or a tenant of the local authority. Unfortunately, a Halton Housing customer cannot mutually exchange with a tenant renting through a private landlord.

Both you and the person you are swapping with need to complete the Mutual Exchange Form below. Exchanges are typically made between two customers, but this can also be done between multiple customers provided all are in agreement of the exchange.

We aim to reply to your request within six weeks. If we do not agree to the exchange, then we will write to you and explain why.

We will usually agree to an exchange unless:

  • You have been issued with a court order or Notice of Seeking Possession.
  • You have rent arrears.
  • You have a Starter Tenancy Agreement.
  • Your home is much too large or small for the person you are exchanging with.
  • You want to exchange a home specially adapted or designed for a physically disabled or elderly person with someone who is not.

What do I need to know before I exchange?

  • You can only exchange to a property that is the right size for you.
  • If you currently have Preserved Right To Buy or Right to Acquire – you may lose this when exchanging.
  • If your request to exchange your home is agreed, you must accept your new home ‘as seen’.
  • You will not receive a new tenancy agreement. You will be given a Deed Of Assignment of tenancy which is a legally binding confirmation that the tenancy has been assigned over to you.
  • You will need to pay four weeks rent up front before exchange.

Home Swapper

Many tenants register on Home Swapper, a site (independent from Halton Housing) where tenants can advertise and search for a property to exchange. It also provides a secure platform to exchange messages with potential exchange tenants. 

Go to Home Swapper

Halton Mutual Exchange Facebook Group

If you are looking to exchange in Halton, there is an existing Facebook Exchange page where some tenants advertise their homes. To join the group, simply visit the Facebook page and request to join. (Please note this page is not endorsed or managed in anyway by Halton Housing.)

Mutual Exchange Leaflet

Discover everything you need to know about exchanging your home with another tenant with our Mutual Exchange leaflet.


Mutual Exchange Application Form

Please complete this form if you wish to be considered for a mutual exchange. To complete the form, you will also need the details of the tenant you wish to exchange with.

Adding a valid email address allows the system to send an email receipt. Please check your spam folder if the confirmation email doesn't appear in your inbox.
Please provide details of the party you wish to exchange with. 
Is the person you are exchanging with a Halton Housing customer?
Please ensure they complete a application form also otherwise the mutual exchange process cannot progress. 
Have you thoroughly inspected the property into which you propose exchanging and are you agreeable to accepting the house in its present condition?
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