Can I Swap My Council House?

It may be possible for you to swap your council house or housing association property with another tenant. There are strict rules to follow to do this, but you may be able to move to a more suitable or desired home if the swap can go through. 

Swapping your council house requires the permission of your landlord and is usually referred to as a ‘mutual exchange’. The following guide explains when and how you might be able to arrange the swap, including what rules you must follow and how long the process is likely to take.

When can I swap my council house?

If you are a tenant in a council house or housing association property and you want to move, you might be allowed to arrange a mutual exchange with another tenant who would prefer your current house to their own. The swap would mean that you would exchange your current property with the other tenant who also lives in a council or housing association house.

are several reasons why you might want to swap your council house, including:

• Your location of work has changed
• You want to live in the catchment area for the preferred school for your children
• You want to move closer to family and friends

You might decide to swap your council house because the size of your family changes or because you would prefer to live in a different area. If you can find a tenant in your desired house and location that would prefer your current property, it may be possible for you to arrange the mutual exchange.

What size council house or housing association home am I entitled to?

It will not be possible for you to arrange a mutual exchange for a property that is bigger than one that you need. It may be possible for you to have a council property with one extra bedroom if the local authority allows but this will be dependent upon availability and you will be subject to paying the bedroom tax.

The size of the property that you are entitled to will depend on how big your family is and this is relevant to the family that will live in the property with you. Usually, this means that:

• A one-person inhabitant will be allowed a one bedroom property.
• Two people (a couple) will be allowed a one bedroom property.
• Two people (two single people or a parent and child) will be allowed a 2 bedroom property.
• Three people will be allowed a 2 or 3 bedroom property.
• Four or Five people will be allowed a 2 or 3 bedroom property.

If you live in a property that has more bedrooms than you are entitled to based on the size of your family, you will be subject to paying bedroom tax or to having the bedroom tax amount deducted from the housing benefit amount that you are paid.

How do I apply to swap my council house?

In order to swap your council house with another tenant, you will need to contact the relevant local authority. Each council will have slightly different rules and processes and so you will need to talk to the council for your current area to explain your position.

Your council will help you find someone to swap with by referring to a list of other people who want to exchange. Alternatively, you could use a Council House Exchange Scheme.

Are there any reasons why I might not be able to swap my council house?

There are a number of factors that could prevent you from being allowed to swap your council house. This includes:

• The house you want to swap two is too big for your entitlement.
• You or the other tenant are in rent arrears.
• Both properties need to be in a decent state of repair before the authority will consider a swap.
• If any of the tenants involved in the swap have been given a notice for anti-social behaviour.
• If one of the properties that are to be swapped is too small to meet the needs of the new tenant.
• If the ownership of either property has been granted to the court.
• If special adaptations have been made to one of the properties to meet the needs of someone with special needs and this is not a requirement of the new tenant.

Thorough checks of both properties and all involved tenants will be carried out by the council prior to an exchange being authorised.

Tips for Swapping your Council House

Just as with any house move, swapping your council house can be stressful. You will be relying on the other tenant to progress, you’ll need the authority of your local authority to move ahead, you’ll have your house inspected and then have to arrange the logistics of the move. There are a few simple things that you can do to encourage the swap to go as smoothly as possible. This includes:

• Be realistic about the time-scale. There is a rule that states that all councils and landlords must complete the necessary paperwork within 42 days of receiving your application for exchange. 
• Maintain flexibility and don’t expect to have your wish-list completely met. You may need to be flexible about the location in order to achieve a bigger home or be flexible about bedroom sizes in order to also have a garden.
• Be in the know at all times. Don’t enter into a swap blindly and read the paperwork thoroughly. Be sure that you understand the tenancy agreement that you’re entering into.
• Be realistic about your goals and don’t set impossible targets for the type of property you want.
• Be sure that you factor in the costs of moving so that you don’t have nasty surprises at a later date. Consider van hire fees, new school uniform costs, travel expenses etc.
• Be open and honest at all times and you’ll find that other parties are able to better understand your position and work with you to meet your needs.