Mutual Exchange

If you’re an existing social housing tenant and want to move, this could be your answer.  The information below will help you.

What is a mutual exchange?

Mutual exchange is where you swap homes with someone who has a social housing tenancy.  It is a great option as it gives you the ability to decide which area you’d like to move to and when.  You can choose anywhere across the UK. 
It doesn’t need to be a straight swap.  Sometimes we have three or more households who have managed to make a chain to swap their homes.
There is more information below.  However, you can find our full policy here.
If you need help or advice at any point, please Contact Us.

What are the Benefits?

  • Exchanging is normally the quickest way to find another home if you want to move.
  • You have full control over which homes you look at.  There is no penalty for deciding you don’t like a certain home.
  • You can decide when it is best to move.
  • It is not linked to any priority rehousing lists.

Am I Allowed to Exchange?

Your tenancy agreement will tell you if you have the Right to Exchange.  If you don’t know please contact us.

Though you may have the Right to Exchange there may be other reasons why you would not be allowed.  There are both legal and policy reasons why we may refuse a mutual exchange.

We have put below main reasons for refusal.  However, for the full details of grounds (reasons) for refusing an exchange please refer to our mutual exchange policy.

How do I find an exchange?

If you are an eligible Estuary tenant, you can register for free with either of the following:

HomeSwapper

House Exchange - House Exchange

Social media platforms can be another way to find exchanges. Please take care using this method as it is not regulated.

What happens when I’ve found someone to exchange with?

Once you have found a home you would like to move to you need permission to do the swap.  All homes involved with the mutual exchange need to complete our Initial Request for Mutual Exchange Form[pdf] 169KB. These need to be returned to info@estuary.co.uk.

If you want a form posted to you, please call us on 0300 304 5000.  You can post the form back to:

Centre Place Prospect Close
Southend-on-Sea
Essex, SS1 2JD

Once we have received the initial form, we will check if you meet the basic criteria.  This means household size, no rent arrears, no legal action.  If you do, then we will send a full housing application to those that need it.

When Can I Move?

We’ll give you a decision within 42 days.  This runs from the time we receive the full application form and associated documents.

All landlords need to give permission before you can exchange.  If you exchange before permission is given, we can take legal action against you.

Once all landlords have approved, we will discuss with you a suitable moving date.  This does not need to be within the 42 days.

Reasons Why an Exchange May Not Progress

We have outlined below the main reasons why we may not be able to agree your move.

A home is too big or small

For our homes involved in an exchange, the people who will be living in them must not under or over-occupy.  Below are examples.

Recommended Bedroom Sizes by Household Composition

Household composition

Number of bedrooms

Single adult

Bedsit or 1

2 Adults (as a couple)

1

1 adult and 1 child

2

2 adults (as a couple) and 1 child

2

1 adult or a couple and 2 children

2 or 3

1 adult or a couple, 3 children

3 or 4

1 adult or a couple, 4 children

3, 4, 5 or 6

A home is adapted, and your exchange partner doesn’t need them  

If your home has any major adaptations i.e. a lift, wet room and the people moving in don’t need them, we will refuse the exchange.

Its important we use adapted homes for those who need them.

Legal action has started for anyone involved in the exchange

If we are taking action against your tenancy, please contact us to discuss your options.  If you are exchanging with person with a different housing provider, we will check with them if their tenants have breached their tenancy.

A home is not in satisfactory condition

We will carry out a property inspection for our tenants.  If your home does not meet the required standard, we will agree with you what needs to be done. 

Advice for preparing and finding a mutual exchange.

There is some great information on both Homeswapper and House Exchange sites.  However below are some of our handy hints.

  •  Moving can be expensive, so please consider all costs before you start this process.  Also allow plenty of time.
  •  When you register on Homeswapper and House Exchange, include as much detail as possible.  Things like local schools, transport, parks.  Also include recent photos of your home.  Photos really increase your chances.
  •  When you get a match, ensure you visit the home.  Check thoroughly as you will be responsible for taking over any resident repairs, and condition of the home, after the move.
  •  Be ready to answer any questions about your home when someone contacts you.  They might need to know about the rent, parking arrangements or who is responsible for the garden.
  • To avoid delays, make sure your rent account is up to date
  • Report any repairs which are our responsibility to do.  Anything you are responsible for complete, so your home is in good condition.

 For any more information please get in touch  -  Contact Us