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  1. Home
  2. Housing
  3. Swap or exchange your council property

Swap or exchange your council property

In this section

  1. You are here: What is a Mutual Exchange?
  2. Finding a swap
  3. Apply for a mutual exchange

What is a Mutual Exchange?

The Housing Act 1985 gives secure tenants a right to exchange. They have to have prior written permission from the landlord.

A mutual exchange is when two Tenants in Council, or Housing Association, homes apply to exchange their home. It can be a great way to find a property nearer family, work, schools, or generally more suitable for your needs.

You can apply to exchange to a property within Rotherham council or any other Housing association or Council in the country. As long as the property is suitable for your needs.

Type/size of property that you can Exchange

You can only swap for a property that is suitable for your needs. Within Rotherham council, you can not exchange to a property that you would not be eligible for under Rotherham Borough Council allocations policy. Other Housing associations and Councils have differing policies on the homes you can exchange with, but generally you cannot swap for Homes which would lead to overcrowding or underoccupancy. For example, two adults living in a two-bed home, would not be able to swap for a four bed home, as this would lead to under occupation of the home.

Mutual Exchange Incentives: Not Permitted

It is illegal to offer or receive an incentive to proceed with a mutual exchange.

  • Next page: Finding a swap

Downloads

  • Empty Homes Plan
  • Housing Services: User Guides

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