A Mutual Exchange is a swap of accommodation between two, three, four, or more tenants and relies on each party moving permanently into their exchange partner’s property. A tenant cannot exchange into an empty property.

You can apply to exchange your home  if you are a Housing Association/Trust tenant with an assured tenancy  or a Council or Housing Association/Trust tenant with a secure tenancy.  All tenants must apply for, and obtain permission from their respective landlord before going ahead with an exchange.

Permission can be withheld if:

·        You are subject to a possession order or a suspended possession order

·        You have been given notice seeking possession

·        The home you would like to exchange into is either too big or too small for your needs

·        The home you would like to exchange into is adapted to be suitable for disabled access that no member of your family will require

To apply for a mutual exchange you can use the HomeSwapper website, this is a simple way to register for and exchange on line and you can have access to available properties through exchanges from home or one of the computers in our reception on a daily basis.  You can even receive text messages to advice you when people register with a property that matches your needs.  Our New Tenancies Team will be happy to advise you on using HomeSwapper.

If you are a Trust tenant and would like more information about mutual exchanges, speak to your Neighbourhood Officer. If you are a tenant of another Housing Association or Council then you should contact your landlord first or ring us for advice on Freephone 0800 012 1311 (it may be cheaper to call 0330 440 9707 from a mobile), email trust@peaksplains.org or write to Peaks & Plains Housing Trust, Ropewalks, Newton Street, Macclesfield, SK11 6QJ