We have compiled this guidance based on questions we frequently receive from residents looking to complete a mutual exchange. If your question is not answered, please contact us using the details at the end of this page.

Can I mutually exchange?

If you are a secure tenant or have an assured tenancy you can mutually exchange provided you are not in any rent arrears.

What property size am I entitled to?

The number of bedrooms needed by an applicant depends upon the size of their family. The table shows the number of bedrooms that we consider an applicant needs based on household size.

Size of family Size of property
Single person home with single bedroom Bedsit / single person
A couple without children 1 bedroom
Two adults of the same sex and generation, for example flat sharers, or two brothers 1 bedroom
A couple with one child of any age, including an adult child 2 bedroom
A couple with two children of the same sex 2 bedroom
Two adults of opposite sex who do not live as a couple, for example a brother and sister 2 bedroom
A couple with two children of the opposite sex and both under 10 2 bedroom
A couple with two children of the opposite sex, one of whom is aged 1 or over and the other who is aged 10 or over 3 bedroom
A couple with three children 2 or 3 bedrooms, depending on the age of the children
A couple with four children (all of the same sex or two of each sex) 3 bedroom
A couple with two children of the opposite sex aged under 10, and one dependent relative (for example, widowed mother) 3 bedroom
A couple with four children (three of one sex and one of the opposite sex) 3 or 4 bedrooms depending on the age of the children
A couple with more than four children 4 bedroom

What is a multi-way swap?

A multi-way swap is a mutual exchange which involves three or more tenancies.

Can I still exchange if I have arrears?

No, you cannot exchange until all arrears are cleared.

Can I move to another housing association or local authority property anywhere in the UK?

Please confirm with the housing association to see if they are part of the mutual exchange scheme.

My home is adapted; can I still exchange?

If your property has been adapted, we will need to carefully consider whether the person you are looking to exchange with needs the adaptations. We can refuse to allow the exchange if it is not medically suitable.

Can I change my mind after applying for an exchange?

Yes, the exchange can be cancelled at any time before signing the assignment of tenancy.

How long does it take to mutual exchange?

This depends on how quickly all checks are completed and references received, usually it can take up to six to eight weeks for a mutual exchange to be complete. It will take 42 days for a decision to be made whether or not your mutual exchange can be authorised. You will be notified in writing of our decision.

Where can I find a swap partner?

As a Barnet Homes or Opendoor Homes tenant, you can apply online on homeswapper.co.uk. This service is free of charge. You will be able to advertise and find someone you would like to swap with. We recommend putting photos of your property and viewing any homes you may be interested in before applying to swap.

On what grounds can a mutual exchange be refused?

There are a number of reasons that a mutual exchange can be refused. The table below outlines the majority of the reasons.

Schedule 3 Housing Act 1985 Schedule 14 Localism Act 2011 Grounds for refusing consent to the exchange
Ground 1 When any rent lawfully due from a tenant under one of the existing tenancies has not been paid.
Ground 2 When an obligation under one of the existing tenancies has been broken or not performed.
Ground 1 Ground 3 A court order for possession or a suspended possession order has been made for either property.
Ground 2 Grounds 4 & 5 The landlord has served a notice of seeking possession and the notice is still in force, or possession proceedings have commenced.
Ground 3 Ground 7 The property is substantially larger than is reasonably needed by the proposed assignee.
Ground 4 Ground 8 The property is not reasonably suitable to the needs of the proposed assignee and their household.
Ground 5 Ground 9 The property is part of or close to a building that is held for non-housing purposes, or it is situated in a cemetery and was let in connection with employment with the landlord or with a local authority, a new town corporation, housing action trust, an urban development corporation, or the governors of a grant-aided school.
Ground 6 Ground 10 The landlord is a charity and the proposed assignee’s occupation of the property would conflict with the objects of the charity.
Ground 7 Ground 11 The property has been substantially adapted for occupation by a physically disabled person, and if the assignment went ahead a physically disabled person would not be living there.
Ground 8 Ground 12 The landlord lets properties to people in difficult circumstances (other than merely financial circumstances) and the proposed assignee would not fulfil these criteria.
Ground 9 Ground 13 The property is let to people with special needs and there is a social service or special facility nearby to the properties to assist people with those special needs, and if the assignment was to go ahead no person with those special needs would be living there.
Ground 10 Ground 14 The property is the subject of a management agreement where the manager is a housing association of which at least half the members are tenants subject to the agreement and at least half of the tenants of the properties are members of the association, and also that the proposed assignee is not such a member nor is willing to become one.
Additional Ground (Housing Act 2004) Ground 6 An injunction order under section 153 of the Housing Act 1996 or an anti-social behaviour order or a Demotion Order or a possession order under Ground 2 for secure tenancies or Ground 14 for assured tenancies is in force or an application for one of those is pending either against the tenant, the proposed assignee or a person who resides with either of them

Do I need permission to exchange?

Yes, you will need permission from your landlord.

What do I need to do before applying for a mutual exchange?

Please ensure all parties complete the mutual exchange form and provide accurate and honest information regarding household and property. This form can be found at barnethomes.org.

How many times can I mutually exchange?

The is no limit on how many times you can exchange.

Which checks will be carried out before a mutual exchange?

Barnet Homes/Opendoor Homes will carry out the following checks:

  • Gas check
  • Electric check
  • Property check
  • Energy performance
  • Rent checks
  • Anti-fraud checks
  • References from your landlord will also be obtained.

Please contact us on: talktous@barmethomes.org or 020 8080 6587