Mutual exchange / swapping your home

What is mutual exchange?

Am I eligible?

• Have the correct type of tenancy,

• Have no rent arrears,

• Move to a property of the correct size for your current needs (we would not normally support a move where someone ends up with more bedrooms than they need),

• Not be looking to move into a property with aids and adaptations, for example wet rooms, without being assessed and given a medical recommendation,

• Not be subject to a Possession Order or Suspended Possession Order,

• Not be subject to a Notice of Seeking Possession for a breach of tenancy,

• Meet any local lettings criteria for incoming tenants.

How do I swap my home?

1. You can find someone to swap with by registering on the HomeSwapper website (free for Sanctuary tenants) or other exchange websites. We have provided more advice on how to find someone to swap with in our Mutual Exchange FAQs.

2. Please be aware that exchanging partners can change their mind and cancel an exchange at any point in the process.

3. If you move to another landlord, your rights may change, so check this first. This could be because the type of tenancy you are granted may be different to the type of tenancy you hold, or succession rights have been exceeded.

4. You will need to visit the other home to make sure you are happy with it. 

5. Once you have found someone to exchange with, you should complete an expression of interest form so we can complete some pre-eligibility checks prior to you applying, to establish if you are eligible for an exchange.  

6. For any tenancy with Sanctuary, one weeks rent in advance will be required.

7. All Sanctuary tenants must have a clear rent account, at the time of exchange.

8. It is illegal for you or the other tenant to charge a fee as part of the tenancy exchange.  You could be evicted if you charge or receive any money to swap your home.

9. You must not arrange to move until consent has been given and the paperwork has been signed.

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What will we do?

1. We will complete pre-eligibility checks on all Sanctuary tenants. If they pass the checks, we will send a mutual exchange application form to any tenants involved in the exchange so we can start to process your request.

2. We will communicate via email the date of your home visit, the projected dates for the gas and electricity checks to our property and the account management call and sign-up appointment for the incoming tenant.

3. If the exchange involves more than one landlord, we will request and supply tenancy references.  It is important to note any unsatisfactory reference could prevent an exchange

4. At the home visit we will complete an inspection of the property to identify any repairs or items you wish to gift to the incoming tenant.

5. If repairs are your responsibility, we will arrange a second inspection to check the repairs are completed. Any repairs not completed could result in a recharge, a change to the projected dates for the gas and electricity check, account management call and sign-up appointment or the exchange not taking place.

6. Once we have received all application forms, supporting evidence, satisfactory references and completed satisfactory home visits, you will receive confirmation via email if consent to exchange has been granted. 

7. If we refuse your request, we will let you know why and you will be able to ask for a review of the decision.

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Request an application