Mutual exchange
What is a mutual exchange?
A mutual exchange happens when tenants of Registered Social Landlords, such as Spirita, swap properties.This can only happen if both tenants have their landlord’s consent.
Spirita tenants are required to use the HomeSwapper mutual exchange scheme or another online mutual exchange scheme to secure a mutual exchange.
What is HomeSwapper?
HomeSwapper is a web based mutual exchange system that can help tenants to move to different parts of the country or another nearby local authority.
It’s the equivalent of an estate agency website and includes a map showing the property location and photos where these are available.
HomeSwapper is free for Spirita tenants – tenants of non-member landlords are charged £7.45 for three months, £13.95 for six months or £26.95 for 12 months.
How does HomeSwapper work?
Tenants register with HomeSwapper, entering details of their own property, and the type, size and location of the property they are looking for. Spirita has to approve tenants wanting to register on the system and can refuse if there are breaches of tenancy.
Every night, the HomeSwapper system searches through the database of registered tenants to find suitable swaps. Tenants receive notification of potential swaps through email and text messages.
What support is available for vulnerable applicants?
Spirita will complete the online registration for tenants who have difficulty accessing the internet. We will notify these residents of potential swaps for at least the first six months they are registered on the system.
What about existing Spirita mutual exchange lists?
Spirita no longer maintains a mutual exchange board in our regional offices. All tenants will be supported to use the HomeSwapper mutual exchange scheme or other online mutual exchange schemes.
How do I register with HomeSwapper?
You can register by visiting the HomeSwapper website Alternatively, you can call your regional housing office on 0845 601 5042. The staff here will help you to register with the scheme.
What other mutual exchange systems are available?
Spirita tenants may also register with other mutual exchange schemes in their local area. The Derbyshire Home-Options Choice Based Lettings Scheme also has an online mutual exchange scheme. This scheme operates in the Derbyshire Dales, High Peak and Amber Valley areas.
Register on the Derbyshire Home-Options mutual exchange website
Register on the Derby Home Finder website
What happens when I’ve found a tenant I want to swap homes with?
Once you have found a tenant you want to swap with it is vital that you seek approval from Spirita.
You should do this by completing a mutual exchange form and sending/emailing it to your local Spirita housing office.
| Spirita Raleigh House 68-84 Alfreton Road Nottingham NG7 3NN |
Spirita |
What are the rules for mutual exchanges?
Spirita can refuse or give conditional consent to an exchange under Schedule 3 Section 92 Housing Act 1985. Common examples of refusal/conditional consent include:
- You have rent arrears.
- You have a Starter Tenancy.
- You are under a notice of seeking possession.
- You have a court order against you for breach of tenancy.
- You would be significantly under occupying/overcrowding the proposed property.
- You have damaged your property and need to undertake repairs.
- Your property is designed for people with special needs and or has been adapted to meet the needs of people with a disability, and the tenant you are exchanging with does not meet the criteria for the property.
- The tenant you are exchanging with does not meet the criteria for the property.
What happens once I’ve completed my mutual exchange form?
- Once a mutual exchange form has been received, Spirita has 42 days (six weeks) to refuse, give conditional consent or full consent to a proposed exchange.
- Your Neighbourhood Services Officer will arrange to inspect your property to confirm that it is in a good condition.
- He/she will then prepare and submit a report on your tenancy to the landlord of your exchange partner.
- Your exchange partner’s landlord will also submit a report on their tenancy to Spirita.
- If both reports are satisfactory and there are no grounds to refuse or make conditional consent, a date for the exchange and signing of the Assignment of Tenancy with both landlords can be arranged.
- If consent is made conditional, the applicant will have to clear any rent arrears or make good the breach of tenancy upon which consent has been made conditional.
Important: A tenant cannot move until an exchange has been approved by both landlords and both exchange partners have signed an Assignment of Tenancy with both landlords.
If you require further information, please contact your local Spirita office.