Swap your home (mutual exchange)
A mutual exchange is an agreement between two (or more) tenants to swap homes (within Derby or nationally).
To be eligible both tenants must:
- Be a Council or Housing association tenant
- Have a secure tenancy
- Not be in rent arrears
There are many websites available for mutual exchanges, but most will charge you to use this service. House Exchange is a mutual exchange service that is free to use for Derby City Council and Derby Homes tenants. You can find more information and instructions on how to register on the House Exchange website.
How to swap your home through a mutual exchange
Important: You must get permission from us before you agree to an exchange.
Use a site like House Exchange to search for a home to swap with. Once you’ve found someone you want to swap homes with, you’ll both need to fill out our mutual exchange form (below) and either:
- Email it to Contactus@derbyhomes.org
- Post it to 839 London Road, Derby DE24 8UZ
If the person you wish to swap with is not a Derby Homes tenant, they will also need to follow their housing provider's own process for mutual exchange.
Once we’ve received the form, we will carry out an inspection of the property. We will make a decision on whether or not the exchange can go ahead within 42 days. If the exchange is approved, we carry out gas and electric safety checks before the swap goes ahead.
Mutual Exchange application form
If you need help with a mutual exchange, or want us to send you a paper form, contact us.
Frequently asked questions
A mutual exchange is when two or more social housing tenants agree to swap homes with each other. Both tenants need approval from their landlords.
It may do. When you exchange, you usually take on the tenancy type of the property you are moving into, not the tenancy you currently hold. This could include:
- Secure tenancy
- Assured tenancy
- Assured shorthold tenancy (including fixed-term tenancies)
We will explain the tenancy type of the new property before you make a final decision.
Yes. Different tenancy types come with different rights and responsibilities, including:
- Succession rights
- Security of tenure
- Right to Buy or Right to Acquire eligibility
You should consider these carefully before agreeing to the exchange.
Yes, it is likely.
The rent you pay after the exchange will usually be the rent set for the property you are moving into, not your current rent.
This means your rent could:
- Increase
- Decrease
- Be charged on a different basis (for example, affordable rent rather than social rent)
Service charges will apply if the new property has additional services, including:
- Communal cleaning
- Grounds maintenance
- Lifts or shared facilities
You will be responsible for paying the service charges associated with the new property, which may be higher or lower than what you currently pay.
Yes. Before you complete the exchange, we will provide information on:
- The weekly rent for the new property
- Service charges
- How and when charges are reviewed
This allows you to make an informed decision.
Yes, but approval may depend on:
- Household size
- Local letting standards
- Whether the property would be under-occupied or overcrowded
We will assess this as part of your application.
Yes. A mutual exchange may be refused in some circumstances, including:
- Rent arrears or breaches of tenancy
- The property being adapted for specific needs
- Legal or management reasons set out in housing legislation
We will explain any refusal clearly and in writing.
Yes, this is strongly recommended. You may wish to seek advice from:
- A housing adviser
- Citizens Advice
- A welfare benefits adviser (especially if you receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit)
If you have any questions about how a mutual exchange could affect your tenancy, rent, or charges, please contact us. We are happy to explain anything further before you decide how to proceed.