Mutual exchange

What is a mutual exchange

A mutual exchange is when two or more households swap properties.

Proposed exchanges are only permitted for tenants living in England and Wales. Scotland has different housing laws.

As a Birmingham City Council (BCC) tenant, you may be able to swap homes if you:

  • hold a Secure tenancy, or an Assured or Fixed Term tenancy
  • do not have rent arrears
  • have not broken any of your conditions of tenancy
  • have not been sanctioned for Anti-Social Behaviour
  • have not applied for a property through Right to Buy
  • are not subject to any court action or a court injunction

We will carry out all the above checks once all parties have submitted an application with any relevant supporting documents. You will not be eligible for a mutual exchange if you do not meet these conditions.

Submitting an application

When you submit an application for mutual exchange, you must provide proof that you have lived in your property for at least 12 months. This could be a bank statement, utility bill, or an official letter.

If possible, you should also provide proof of ID, such as a clear photo of your passport. We will also need to verify who you are at a later stage.

If you:

  • hold a joint tenancy, the other parties must agree to the proposed mutual exchange
  • are proposing an exchange outside of BCC you must apply to the other landlord for their consideration

BCC or another landlord may cancel the application if there are insufficient proofs submitted or a joint tenant is absent on the application form.

Finding someone to swap homes with

If you would like to swap homes with someone but have not found anyone to swap with, you could:

  • register with the free online service Homeswapper
  • advertise your property in a local newspaper, by placing notices in shop windows, or use social media
  • ask friends or family if they know of anyone who wants to swap

You may be evicted and lose your home if you offer or receive money to carry out a swap.

If you have any questions about mutual exchange, contact tenancy estate management

Page last updated: 7 February 2024

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