Exchanging your Council home

A mutual exchange takes place when two or more tenants want to exchange houses with each other. This can be between:

Two or more tenants of the same landlord, for example, council tenant with council tenant.
Two or more tenants of different landlords, for example, council tenant with housing association tenant.

Each mutual exchange must meet the conditions of the relevant landlord’s policy. No exchange will be granted between a tenant and an owner-occupier, or a tenant of a private landlord.

How to find a home to exchange

The Aberdeen City Council House Exchange website has been designed to bring tenants together who live in Aberdeen City who are looking to swap their home. You can also search for tenants who live in other parts of the UK if you are considering moving from Aberdeen City.

If you are interested in finding another tenant to swap your home with, please register with the House Exchange website. It is easy to register and free for Aberdeen City Council tenants.

Please note that you will need to be a Scottish Secure Tenant before your mutual exchange will be considered.

House Exchange

When you register you will need to provide:

Your contact details.
Details of your current property.
A photo of your current property (if possible).
Details of the property you are looking for.
Once you have applied to register your registration will need to be approved by.
Aberdeen City Council and send you an e-mail including your ID number and password.

Once approved your property will appear on the database and you will be able to run searches to find someone suitable to swap with.

If you have any questions about house exchanges please contact the Housing Access team.

General policies

For an exchange to go ahead, both existing tenancies must have been maintained properly. This means that you and the other tenant must have:

Met all tenancy conditions.
Looked after your property.
Respected the rights of other tenants.
Paid the rent and all other charges on time.

The new tenant must accept the property in its present condition. You cannot move to a property smaller than you need.

You may only apply for an exchange where the size of the property is suitable for the size of the family, as defined under the mutual exchange section of the scheme for awarding council houses.

Mutual Exchange Application Form 564.2 KB

Frequently Asked Questions

Are housing associations involved in the mutual exchange scheme?

Yes, you can apply to exchange houses with a tenant of any Registered Social Landlord

Can I exchange to a property outwith the council area?

Yes, but you will need to contact the other local authority or housing association to apply for an exchange.

Can I exchange if I have rent arrears?

No, you must have a clear rent account and have no outstanding debt in relation to overpayments of Housing Benefit, Rechargeable Repairs or for a former tenancy.

Can I swap homes with another council tenant?

Yes, existing Council tenants can apply for a mutual exchange. Tenants are permitted to swap with another secure tenant. This may be another tenant at the same council, or a tenant of another council or a Registered Social Landlord. We will normally agree as long as: Both houses are the right size and type for the household; neither tenant owes rent or other debt to the council; both tenants have kept their house and garden to a reasonable standard and have conducted their tenancy properly. To request a mutual exchange, contact your local housing office.

How can I move to another Council house?

If you want to move to another council house, you can apply for a mutual exchange, where you swap properties with someone else, or you can re-apply for the housing waiting list.

How does the mutual exchange scheme work?

A mutual exchange takes place when two or more tenants want to exchange houses with each other. This can be between: two or more tenants of the same landlord, for example, council tenant with council tenant or two or more tenants of different landlords, for example, council tenant with housing association tenant. Each mutual exchange must meet the conditions of the relevant landlord's policy. No exchange will be granted between a tenant and an owner occupier, or a tenant of a private landlord. General Policies - for an exchange to go ahead, both existing tenancies must have been maintained properly. This means that you and the other tenant must have: met all tenancy conditions, looked after your property, respected the rights of other tenants and have no outstanding housing related debts. The new tenant must accept the property in its present condition. You cannot move to a property smaller than you need and may only move to a property which is suitable for the size of your existing family, as defined by the mutual exchange section of the scheme for the allocation of council houses.

What happens after I hand in the mutual exchange forms?

The landlord (or landlords) will carry out various checks on your application, tenancy and rent account. They will inspect your current property. Any repairs caused by neglect, damage or alteration to the property will be your responsibility.

The landlord (or landlords) will tell you in writing whether your exchange has been approved.

You must not move until you have signed your new lease or tenancy agreement.

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