Mutual Exchange

What is a mutual exchange?

A mutual exchange allows social housing tenants to swap homes with another council or housing association tenant. It can be a quicker way to move if your current home no longer meets your needs, or you are looking to relocate to a different area or property type.

Mutual exchanges can involve two households or, in some cases, multiple households exchanging homes at the same time. You can find the full Mutual Exchange Policy and accompanying FAQs on our Housing Strategy page.

Who can apply?

You may be able to take part in a mutual exchange if you are:

• A secure or fixed-term social housing tenant.
• Up to date with your tenancy responsibilities.

Please note that all exchanges are subject to our approval before any move can take place.

Finding a Swap Through HomeSwapper

HomeSwapper is the UK's leading mutual exchange service, helping social housing tenants find suitable exchange partners across the country. Fareham Borough Council have joined this service which enables tenants to register for free. We are only able to offer this free service to tenants of Fareham Borough Council. 

If you are a Fareham Borough Council Tenant and wish to take advantage of this free service please visit www.homeswapper.co.uk  and register your details.

If you live in the Fareham Borough and have another social landlord then please visit www.homeswapper.co.uk  to check if your landlord is partnered with the service or alternatively contact your landlord direct.

What Happens Once You Find a Swap?

Once all parties have agreed they wish to exchange properties:

• Each tenant must complete the application form on SwapTracker www.swaptracker.co.uk  - SwapTracker is an online case management system that keeps tenants and landlords updated throughout the exchange process. It provides clear visibility of each stage of the application and helps reduce the need to contact your housing provider for updates.
• We will carry out tenancy, property and safety checks.
• Property inspections will be arranged with your Neighbourhood Housing Officer and a Surveyor.
• Any tenancy breaches, such as rent arrears, may need to be resolved before approval can be granted.
• A decision is normally provided within 42 days of the application being received.

You should not make any moving arrangements until you have received formal written approval from all landlords involved. You must not go ahead with the swap until we have agreed the exchange in writing and the relevant papers have been signed. If you move without this, you will be putting your tenancy in jeopardy and could end up with no home at all.

You and the tenant you are exchanging with, will be asked to call into the Civic Offices to sign a deed of assignment. If you have a joint tenancy both tenants must attend. You should bring some identification with you.

Need Help?

If you need support with finding a mutual exchange, registering with HomeSwapper, or understanding the application process, please contact you Neighbourhood team on 01329 236100, or e-mail housing@fareham.gov.uk

We can provide guidance and answer any questions you may have about your proposed move.

For more information and to start searching for a swap, visit the HomeSwapper website.