How to swap your home
Please contact us for a Mutual Exchange application form.
If you would like to move to another affordable rented home, a mutual exchange may be an option and you must complete a Mutual Exchange application. A mutual exchange allows you to swap homes with another tenant who rents from Torus, another housing association, or a local authority.
Before a mutual exchange can take place, you must obtain approval from both landlords. This means you must not move until all necessary permissions have been granted and the required paperwork has been completed.
Where can I find homes to swap with?
One of the easiest ways to find a potential exchange is through Homeswapper, the UK's largest mutual exchange service.
By registering your home, you can:
- Search for suitable homes locally or across the UK.
- Receive email and text alerts when matching properties become available.
- Connect with other tenants interested in exchanging homes.
- Explore a wide range of potential swap opportunities.
Registration is free for eligible tenants.
What happens when I've found a swap?
Once you have identified someone you would like to exchange with, let us know as soon as possible.
We will then:
- Review your tenancy to ensure the exchange can proceed.
- Inspect your property.
- Discuss the exchange with the other tenant or liaise with the other landlord if applicable.
- Complete any necessary checks and assessments.
- Confirm in writing whether the exchange can proceed.
We will keep you informed throughout the process and explain any requirements that need to be met before approval can be given.
When might a mutual exchange be refused?
There are circumstances in which permission for a mutual exchange may not be granted. These may include:
- Outstanding rent arrears or other tenancy-related debts.
- A breach of tenancy conditions.
- Ongoing legal action relating to the tenancy.
- The proposed exchange resulting in overcrowding or under-occupation.
- The incoming tenant not meeting the conditions attached to the property.
- The other tenant failing to comply with the terms of their tenancy agreement.
Each application will be considered on its individual circumstances and in accordance with relevant legislation and policy.
Need advice about swapping your home?
If you are considering a mutual exchange, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible. We can explain the process, discuss your options, and help ensure that any proposed exchange progresses as smoothly as possible.
Please note that we have up to 42 days to review your mutual exchange application. We will keep you updated throughout the process and let you know our decision within this timescale.