Mutual Exchange

Why should I consider?

Mutual exchanges (swapping your home with someone else) can often be a quicker way of moving to a new home rather than applying for a transfer.

Who can apply?

Mutual exchange is available for public sector tenants. You are a public sector tenant if your landlord is a local council or a housing association.  

You can move home using mutual exchange by swapping your home with that of another public sector tenant in the High Peak or elsewhere in the country.

How to find someone to swap with apply?

We have a free-to-use scheme to help you find someone to swap with - to register visit the Exchange Locata website.

When you register you can say what sort of property you are looking for and then log in at any time and search for possible matches. You can see details of other tenants who wish to swap their tenancy with another secure or assured tenant both within the High Peak or outside.

Social media can also be helpful in finding someone to swap with but you should be cautious about giving personal information out until you feel confident the person is genuine

There are a number of other free-to-use websites that may help you in getting a swap:-

Council House Exchange | Councilexchangesite.co.uk

Find a home swap on Homeswaps.co.uk. A Council House Exchange Website

House Exchange - House Exchange

Things to consider before swapping?

If you are a High Peak Borough Council Tenant you will usually have a "secure" Tenancy agreement. Housing Associations usually have "assured" Tenancy agreements. The rights each agreements give may vary - for example in relation to the right to buy - and so you should read the other persons agreement very carefully before deciding to swap

When you complete a mutual exchange you will be bound by the terms of the tenancy of the person you swap with. You will pay the rent that they paid, together with any service charges, which may be considerably more (or less) than you were previously paying. You should make sure you can afford the new rent and any service charges before applying for a mutual exchange.

You should consider the condition of the property you are moving into as most landlords will not offer help with things like decoration for people who move in through a mutual exchanges

Request for Mutual Exchange

If you are a High Peak Borough Council Tenant and you have found someone to do a mutual exchange with and you are both in agreement, both parties need to apply online here.

Checks will be made to ensure that neither applicant is in rent arrears, in breach of their tenancy agreement and that your current home and garden are in good condition.

Mutual Exchange checklist (PDF) [61KB](opens new window) for a High Peak Borough Council tenant.