Neighbourhood Services

HOUSING

Mutual Exchange

A Mutual Exchange is where two or more tenants have mutually agreed to swap houses. You can exchange your home with:

• another council tenant
• a tenant of another local authority or housing association

You can try to find a suitable tenant to exchange using different methods:

• log onto the Mutual Exchange Forum operated by East Ayrshire Council
• place an advert in your local shop
• place an advert in the local shops in the area you want to move to
• put up a notice in your local housing office or in the office nearest to the area you want to live in
• speak to your local housing officer to see if they know of anyone who would suit your criteria

Once I find someone to swap with what do I do next?

How long will it take before I can move?

Are there any reasons why my application might be refused?

What do I need to do first?

Once I find someone to swap with what do I do next?

All interested parties need to fill in an application form regardless of who their landlord is. These forms should be handed into your local housing office. The housing officer will visit your home to check that it is in a satisfactory condition, you have a clear rent account and a satisfactory tenancy report. The same information will be requested for the other tenant.

How long will it take before I can move?

Once all the checks have been carried out you will receive official permission to swap homes on a specific date. You will need to sign a new tenancy agreement for the new house and so will the person(s) you are swapping with. Generally, the process should not take longer than one month.

Are there any reasons why my application might be refused?

Yes, there are a few reasons where we might refuse permission such as:

• If you or the person you plan to exchange with has allowed the condition of your home to deteriorate
• If you or the person you plan to exchange with owes more than one months rent
• If you or the person you plan to exchange with is worsening their housing condition, e.g. overcrowding or under-occupancy
• If you or the person you plan to exchange with do not have a satisfactory tenancy record

In general the rule is that Mutual Exchanges should benefit both parties involved.

What do I need to do first?

Try to find a suitable person who wants to exchange with you and visit their home.  Make sure that you are happy with the condition of the house you would be moving into and then fill in the forms and hand them in to your local housing office.  Don't hesitate to contact your housing officer for more information or to get a copy of the forms.

Request an Application Form to be sent to your home

Find your Local Housing Office