Thinking About Swapping Your Home?

Mutual exchange is when two tenants agree to swap homes – and contracts – with each other. It can be a great way to find a new place that better suits your needs. But before you dive in, there are a few things you need to know.

Can I Swap?

To be eligible for a mutual exchange, you must:

• Have a secure, assured, or fixed-term contract – you can’t exchange if you have an introductory or prohibited conduct contract.
• Not be in rent arrears – all rent must be up to date.
• Have no outstanding recharges or customer-responsible repairs.
• Make sure your home is in an accessible and good condition.
• Get written consent from both landlords – yours and the person you’re swapping with.

If you rent from a private landlord or live in a hostel, you won’t be eligible to swap.

Need more information on landlord consent? Shelter Cymru has a useful guide.

How to Find Someone to Swap With

The easiest way to find a swap is by signing up to HomeSwapper – it’s the UK’s largest mutual exchange service, with over 200,000 homes listed. As an ateb Group customer, you can register for free.

Once you’re signed up:

• Fill in the details about your current home and what you’re looking for.
• Add photos (if you can – it helps!).
• Start searching and get alerts when a suitable match comes up.
• You can also find potential swaps through local ads, Facebook groups, or even noticeboards in shops or libraries.

Ready to Swap? Here’s What Happens Next

Apply online

Fill out our Mutual Exchange Request Form. This is a formal written request for consent to swap.

Checks and inspections

A housing coordinator will visit your home to:

• Check the condition of the property.
• Identify any repairs you’ll need to complete before moving.
• With your agreement, we’ll invite the person you’re swapping with to view the property if they haven’t already.

Landlord consent

Both landlords must approve the swap. We’ll only say no if there’s a lawful reason, such as:

• Rent arrears.
• Legal action for breach of contract.
• The home being too large or too small for your household.
• Special adaptations that the new tenant doesn’t need.
• Anti-social behaviour issues.
• Succession rights or eviction proceedings already underway.

If we need more information to make our decision, we’ll ask within 14 days. Once we have everything, we have one month to give you a decision in writing.

If We Say No

If your application is refused or approved with conditions, you have the right to request a written explanation.

For advice on what to do if your mutual exchange is refused, or you’re unsure about your rights, Shelter Cymru can help:
Get help from Shelter Cymru

Important Reminders

• You must not swap homes without written permission from both landlords – doing so is illegal and could result in both parties losing their homes.
• Never offer money or gifts to encourage someone to swap – this is also illegal.
• Mutual exchange homes are taken as seen – that means ateb won’t be responsible for any decorating or repairs once you move.

Top Tips for a Successful Swap

• Pick the right size – your new home must suit your household’s needs.
• Check affordability – make sure you can comfortably afford the rent.
• Ask about pets – will you need permission for your furry friend?
• Think about parking – is it available and do you need a permit?
• Understand the contract – when you move, you take on the other person’s tenancy agreement and all its terms.

If you’ve got questions or want to chat things through, get in touch with our Housing Solutions team. We’re here to help. [email protected]