Exchanging homes

If you have an assured, secure or fixed-term tenancy you could be allowed to exchange your home with another tenant.

The person you swap with must also have an assured, secure or fixed-term tenancy either Regenda or another social landlord.

When you find someone you want to match with, we are usually happy to support your swap if:

• the new home is the size for you and the person you are swapping homes with
• you don’t have rent arrears you cannot clear for your current home
• your property has no adaptations specifically suited for you unless the new tenant has a need for them (this might include a wetroom or stairlift)
• there is no legal action being taken against you or the person you are swapping homes with.

Swapping homes with someone else can be a quicker and easier way to move than reapplying for housing. Swapping homes is a good opportunity if:

• You’re starting a job in a new area
• You need to give or receive care
• You have health problems and need a different home
• Your current home is too small or too big
• Your home is no longer safe for you.

Before you go ahead and swap homes, there might be some things to consider:

• Is the type and size of the property right for you and the person/s you're swapping homes with?
• Does your home have any adaptations that the other property doesn't?
• When you exchange your home, you take on all the rights and responsibilities of the other tenancy. This can include changes to your tenancy agreement. If you're not sure about which tenany agreement you have, please contact us. (This link will open in a new tab)
• Check the condition of the property you're moving into. Remember to check the kitchen cupboards, loft, roof space and garden.
• View the property more than once. 
• Try to view the property at different times of day and different days of the week.
• Regenda can't support you with the cost of redecorating a new property.
• Regenda can't support you to move to another property via mutual exchange.
• Any items left in the property by the last tenant will be seen as your responsibility when you move.

When you apply to exchange homes, we will:

• Respond within 42 days.
• Check the application form to make sure that you and the person you're swapping homes with have given us all the information we need.
• Check that there are no issues with your tenancy or the tenancy of the person you're swapping with.
• Inspect your property.
• Ask for references for the person that you are asking to swap homes with (if they are not already a Regenda tenant)
• Talk to the landlord of the person you want to swap homes with.
• Complete a gas safety check.
• Complete an electricity safety check.