Harrogate Borough Council
Menu
Golden Triangle Partnership
Mutual Council Home Exchange
If you are a Council or a Housing Association tenant you normally have the right to a mutual exchange. This means you can swap your home with another tenant provided your landlord agrees.
There are lists in most Council and Housing Association offices of tenants wishing to move, either within the area or to other areas. If you find someone whose home you would like and they have seen your home and agreed they would like yours, you should ask your landlord to approve the exchange. It is very important that you do not move until you have your landlord's approval in writing and you have signed the Assignment documents.
Your landlord has 42 days from the date your application is received to make a decision. An exchange may be refused if one of the tenants is in rent arrears or under notice to leave. An exchange may also be refused if the properties are too big or too small for the family intending to occupy, or if one of the properties is designated for elderly or disabled persons. If your request is refused, you have the right to appeal against the decision.
With a mutual exchange you will be asked to accept the property in the condition it has been left by the last tenant. The Council will carry out routine repairs in accordance with the Tenancy Agreement, but it will be your responsibility to repair any damage caused by the previous tenant.
To apply for a mutual exchange you must:
- Complete a Housing List Housing Application form (pdf, 106K) and tick 'Yes' to question 26 to register for a mutual exchange
- When your application has been accepted and you have found a suitable application, you must then complete an Application for a Mutual Exchange (32K, Word), or, apply direct to your Local Neighbourhood Office.
For further information about mutual exchanges, please contact your local housing office.