Exchanging Home with another tenant

A mutual exchange is when two or more tenants exchange homes. You can exchange with:

You must write to us (and any other landlord involved) to get permission to exchange. We will not refuse without good reason.

It is very important that you arrange to look over the other property before you make a decision to move. When you exchange, you must accept the other property as it is left. You take responsibility for any alterations or improvements made by your exchange partner.

If you owe the Council rent you will not be allowed to move until it is paid.

It is illegal to pay anyone to persuade them to exchange tenancies with you. If this happens all the people involved could be made to leave their homes. If you exchange without asking for permission you can be forced to move back.

Please note, exchanging homes with another tenant is very different to transferring to another tenancy.

You are responsible for finding someone to exchange with. We have noticeboards or books in our Neighbourhood Offices giving details of other tenants interested in exchanging. You need to fill out a form if you want to put your name on the board or in the book. Exchanges can also be found by word of mouth, from notices in shop windows, or advertisements in newspapers. We also have a Mutual Exchange Scheme with several East London Housing authorities / housing associations. Click here to access the East London Lettings Company website.

If you exchange with another Hackney Council tenant or a tenant of another Council, you will usually keep this right. If you exchange with a tenant of a housing association you may not keep this right.

Yes. There are several special schemes you can apply for. You can also apply to the nationwide HOMESWAP exchange scheme. You can get a form from your Neighbourhood Housing Office. Many local Councils and housing associations also have exchange lists. We can help you find out who to contact.