Introduction to Council Home Swaps
Council home swaps, also known as mutual exchanges, let council tenants trade homes with another council or housing association tenant. This offers a way to move to a different area, a larger or smaller property, or a home that better suits your needs – without giving up your secure tenancy.
Council housing plays a vital role in the UK, providing affordable homes for millions of people. Tenants in these properties have specific rights and responsibilities, which differ from those of private renters. If you’re new to council housing, you can learn more about its importance and your rights in our overview of Council Housing in the UK: How to Apply, Rights, and Key Options.
Swapping homes is not as simple as handing over your keys. You must get written permission from your council or housing association before making any move. This helps ensure all tenants follow the right process and that everyone’s rights are protected. The rules around eligibility and the application process are based on national guidance – see the official Social housing allocations guidance – GOV.UK for more detail.
This guide is designed for council and housing association tenants. If you rent privately, these rules do not apply. For those interested in applying for social housing, see our guide on How to Apply for Social Housing in the UK: A Simple Guide.
How Council Home Swaps Work
Swapping council or housing association homes is known as a “mutual exchange.” This means two tenants agree to swap their homes with each other. You can look for someone to swap with in your local area or even in a different part of the UK, as long as both tenants have the right to exchange.
The first step is to find another tenant who also wants to swap. There are websites and local noticeboards where people advertise for a swap partner. Once you’ve found someone, you both need to contact your councils or housing associations to let them know you want to exchange homes.
You cannot move straight away. Both tenants must apply for permission to swap. The councils will review your request to make sure the swap is fair and that both homes are suitable for the new tenants. They will check things like the size of the property and whether there are any rent arrears or tenancy issues.
The swap can only go ahead if both councils (or housing associations) give written approval. This process helps protect your rights and ensures everyone is treated fairly. If you are new to council housing or want to know more about how social housing works, you can read our simple guide to applying for social housing in the UK.
Getting Permission for a Council Home Swap
Before you can swap your council or housing association home, you must get written permission from your landlord. This is a legal requirement for all council tenants in the UK. Swapping homes without official approval can put your tenancy at risk, and you could lose important rights or even be asked to leave.
Councils consider several factors before approving a home swap. They will check your tenancy history to see if you have kept to the terms of your agreement. For example, if you have rent arrears or have broken tenancy rules, your request may be refused. Councils also look at whether the new property is suitable for your household’s needs. If the swap would result in overcrowding or under-occupying a home, they may not allow it.
There are other valid reasons a council might refuse a swap, such as ongoing legal action against you or if the property has been adapted for special needs that do not match your circumstances.
To apply for permission, contact your local council or housing association. You will usually need to fill out a form and provide information about yourself, your current home, and the property you want to move to. For step-by-step guidance, you can visit the official GOV.UK page on swapping your council or housing association home.
If you are new to social housing or want to learn more about how the system works, our guide on how to apply for social housing in the UK may also be helpful.
Rights and Responsibilities When Swapping Homes
When you swap your council or housing association home, you keep many of the same legal rights as before. If your landlord approves the swap, you are protected from eviction as long as you stick to your tenancy agreement. This protection is set out in law – see Housing Act 1985, Section 92 for the official rules on swapping homes.
You also take on new responsibilities. You must look after your new home and continue to pay your rent on time. Any repairs or damage in the new property become your responsibility once you move in. It’s important to inspect the condition of the new home before agreeing to the swap, as you will be accepting it as it is.
Swapping homes without your landlord’s written permission is risky. If you move without approval, you could lose your right to stay in the property and may face eviction.
Don’t forget to sort out your utilities and energy supply during the move. This includes letting suppliers know about your change of address and making sure accounts are transferred correctly. For more details, see our guide on Utilities and Energy Supply in UK Rentals: Tenant and Landlord Rights.
Using Online Platforms to Swap Council Homes Safely
Swapping your council or housing association home has become much easier thanks to online platforms. These services help you find other tenants who are also looking to swap, making the process faster and more convenient. Platforms like Glassbob connect council tenants across the UK, allowing you to search for suitable homes and contact potential swap partners directly.
When using these online platforms, always take care to protect your personal information. Avoid sharing sensitive details too soon and be cautious if anyone asks for money or makes offers that seem too good to be true. Most importantly, remember that you must still get permission from your council or housing association before making any move, even if you find a match online.
For a step-by-step guide on how to use Glassbob safely and ensure your swap is legal and secure, see our detailed guide to swapping your council house with Glassbob. If you are interested in applying for social housing instead of swapping, you can also read our simple guide to applying for social housing in the UK.
Alternatives to Council Home Swaps
If swapping your council or housing association home is not possible or does not suit your needs, there are other options you can consider.
One alternative is the Right to Buy scheme, which allows eligible council tenants to purchase their home, often at a discount. This can be a good choice if you want more control over your property and are ready to become a homeowner. For a step-by-step guide, see our page on the Right to Buy scheme, or visit the official Right to Buy overview on GOV.UK for detailed government guidance.
Another option is to look into housing associations. These organisations offer social housing similar to council homes, but with different tenancy types and support services. If you’re interested in learning more, see our guide to housing associations and your rights as a tenant.
You might also want to apply for a transfer to another council property. Councils have their own rules for transfers, and you may need to join a waiting list. For more on how council housing is allocated, see our overview of council housing eligibility and allocation.
If you are considering other social housing options, or want to know how to apply, our simple guide to applying for social housing in the UK can help you understand the process and what to expect.
Additional Support and Considerations
When planning a home swap, it’s important to think about your individual needs and circumstances. If you or someone in your household has a disability, you may need specific adjustments or accessible features in your new home. Understanding your rights to disability adjustments and accessible housing can help ensure your new property meets your requirements.
Family changes, such as separation, can affect your tenancy rights and the ability to swap homes. If you’re facing these challenges, it’s a good idea to learn more about your rights to the family home after separation and how this might impact your move.
Sometimes, there may be a gap between leaving your old property and moving into your new one. In these cases, you might need emergency or temporary housing to cover the transition period. It’s also wise to consider temporary home insurance between exchange and completion to protect your belongings during the move.
Managing your tenancy responsibly is key. If you’re worried about your rights, or if issues like tenancy succession arise, you can find more information on alternative housing options if succession is not possible.
If you have questions or need help at any stage, Contend’s AI Legal Assistant can provide clear, personalised answers about the home swap process, offer guidance based on your situation, and help you draft letters or documents needed for your move. This support can make the process smoother and help you feel more confident about your next steps.
