Neighbourhood housing and tenancy

Guide to how we manage tenancies

Mutual exchange

About mutual exchange

A mutual exchange is when you permanently swap your home with another tenant. This is a voluntary arrangement between tenants and can help you move to a different size or type of property, or to a different area. Please note that you cannot swap your home for one which is empty — it must be a direct exchange with another tenant.

Who can apply for a mutual exchange?

You can apply for a mutual exchange if you have a secure tenancy. Introductory tenants do not have the right to exchange their home.

You may exchange with:

• Another secure council tenant

• Most housing association tenants with assured tenancies

Before agreeing to a swap, you must check the type of tenancy you will be taking on, as you may lose certain rights that you currently have as a secure tenant.

Important Update: Mutual Exchange Platforms

House Exchange will close on 31 July 2026 and will no longer be available.

From this date, HomeSwapper will be the Council’s official platform for mutual exchanges. Customers are strongly advised to register with HomeSwapper as soon as possible to continue searching for a swap and avoid any disruption.

Finding a Swap

Using HomeSwapper

HomeSwapper is the UK’s largest and most popular mutual exchange service for social housing tenants, with over 200,000 homes listed and thousands more added each week. It is free for North Tyneside Council tenants.

HomeSwapper allows you to:

• Search for potential exchange partners

• Contact other tenants directly

• Arrange viewings

• Manage your application through Swaptracker

Swaptracker

Your swap will be managed through Swaptracker, a system used by landlords to track mutual exchange applications. Swaptracker keeps you updated at every stage of the process through an easy‑to‑use online dashboard. Swaptracker has a useful  document with all the information you will need to make sure that you make the most of their website.

How to maximise your HomeSwapper advert

When creating your advert:

• Ensure your rent and service charge information is accurate

• Add details about features such as double glazing, gardens, parking, heating type, and storage

• Include information about the local area (schools, transport, health services)

• Upload clear, tidy photos of every room and the outside of your home

• Present your home in its best condition — clean, decluttered, and well lit

How to Apply for a Mutual Exchange (Full Process)

All mutual exchange applications must be completed online through HomeSwapper.

1. Register and Find a Swap

  1. Create a HomeSwapper account (free for North Tyneside Council tenants).
  2. Search for potential exchange partners and contact tenants directly.
  3. When you find someone to swap with, visit their property and make sure you are happy with its condition — you will accept it as seen.
  4. If your swap involves moving to another landlord, check how your tenancy rights may change.

If you cannot create a HomeSwapper account, contact the Neighbourhood Housing Team on 0191 643 6382 for support.

2. Start Your Application

  1. Once you have found your preferred home, log into HomeSwapper and select Apply on your dashboard.
  2. Complete the online application form.
  3. Your application will be sent directly to your landlord through HomeSwapper.
  4. Your exchange partner must also apply to their own landlord if they have a different housing provider.

3. What Your Landlord Will Do

  1. Your landlord will carry out checks on your tenancy, including:

• Rent account status (your account must be clear)

• Property condition

• Any tenancy breaches

  1. We will send you written confirmation once your application is received.
  2. We will arrange a property inspection and inform you of any issues, including repairs you must complete.
  3. If your exchange partner is not a North Tyneside Council tenant, we will request a reference from their landlord and provide one about your tenancy.

A decision will be provided within 42 days of receiving a complete application.

4. Approval and Next Steps

  1. Your mutual exchange cannot go ahead without written approval from all landlords involved.
  2. Do not exchange keys or move belongings until written approval is received — doing so may breach your tenancy and put your home at risk.

Could my application be refused?

If we refuse your application, we will write to you explaining the reasons.

Common reasons for refusal include:

• Legal action has been taken to evict you and a valid Court Order or Notice of Seeking Possession is in place

• The property you want is too large for your needs (by two bedrooms or more)

• The property is too small for your household

• One of the properties is tied to someone’s employment

• The property has been adapted for disabled people, has special facilities, or is part of a supported scheme, and you do not require those facilities

Conditional consent

If you have breached your tenancy agreement but legal action has not yet been taken, we may give conditional consent. Conditions may include:

• Clearing rent arrears

• Repairing damage you have caused

• Addressing tenancy breaches

If conditional consent is given, we will explain in writing what you must do. Once all conditions are met, you will receive a confirmation letter and an appointment to sign the deed of assignment, which legally transfers the tenancy.

Tenants of other landlords must ensure their own landlord has also approved the exchange.

Repairs after a mutual exchange

When you exchange homes, you take on the rights and responsibilities of the tenant you swap with. This means:

• Any repairs that were the previous tenant’s responsibility become your responsibility

• You must accept the property in its current condition

• North Tyneside Council will not carry out repairs that were the previous tenant’s responsibility

Things to remember

• You take responsibility for any alterations, disrepair or damage caused by the previous tenant

• You may be charged for repairs if you did not check the property thoroughly

• Ensure all keys for windows and doors are handed over

• You are responsible for plumbing in washing machines and dishwashers — use a qualified plumber

• You must request permission before making any improvements or alterations

• Contact the Repairs Team on 0345 2000 102 to arrange a commission and test at the start of your new tenancy

Found a swap?

If you have found someone to swap with:

• Request permission through HomeSwapper

• Do not exchange keys or move until written approval is received

• A Neighbourhood Officer can support you through the application process