A mutual exchange is a swap of social housing homes between tenants. You may have a right to exchange your tenancy with another secure tenant, or with an assured tenant of a registered social landlord, or a charitable housing trust as long as the landlords agree to the move and confirm it in writing.

How do I find a Mutual Housing Exchange Home Swap
First of all you must find someone to swap with first you must  register and advertise your property swap with KORMUS then  search the exisiting adverts, that other tenants just like you have listed, once you have found something you like contact that member and exchange details. Next arrange to view each others properties and once you are all happy then its time to speak to your landlords!.

Contacting your Registered Social Landlords
Now you must contact your landlord for permission to swap, though before you do  you will need to clear your rent account of any arrears. The law says that once you have applied for a mutual exchange your landlord must make a decision within 42 days.  Its advisable to send all paperwork by recorded delivery or ask for a receipt  so unexpected delays can be avoided if your paperwork is lost!

Reasons for Mutual Exchange Refusals
If your landlord refuses permission you will be told the reasons why, this could be for a number of reasons including:

• You have or the other party have rent arrears.
• The property you wish to move into is an unsuitable size and does not meet the needs of your family or the family moving into your home.
  
• The property is disabled adapted though no member of your family receives disability living allowance or is registered disabled.
• The property is sheltered and only for residents of retirement age.
• You have no local connection to the area, this only applies in rare circumstances and often in rural locations so check your tenancy agreement for details!

Your Property Swap Paperwork
You will need to complete a mutual housing exchange form which does not cost anything, the form will possibly ask you information about:

• Your tenancy
• The named persons on the tenancy agreement
• The other occupants of your household and their details.
• The details of the tenant(s) you would like to home swap with.

Landlords Consent and Incentives
You must never complete a mutual council or housing association exchange without the written consent of your landlords, if you do so you are liable to eviction and may receive a fine.

Never offer any rewards, gifts, goods or cash incentives in return for a home swap. It is illegal and you and your family could be evicted from your property by your council, housing asscociation or charitable housing trust landlord.