House Exchange
Find out how to swap homes using the House Exchange website.
Swap homes using House Exchange
Unless you already know someone who wants to swap homes, the House Exchange website is the best way to find a new place to live.
The House Exchange website has home available to swap across the UK and from different housing associations and local authorities - not just Clarion homes. You can search according to the location, size, and type of home you want. It may also be handy to know that swapping homes is sometimes called a 'mutual exchange'.
Registration to the House Exchange is free for all Clarion residents.
How House Exchange works
Step 1: check you’re eligible to swap
Before looking for a new home, you first need to check that your tenancy allows you to swap homes.
To be able to swap you must have a lifetime tenancy, and it's usually ok for fixed-term tenants to exchange too. Tenants cannot exchange with a starter or demoted tenancy. Check your tenancy agreement to confirm your tenancy type.
You won't be able to swap if you owe rent payments, and you can't exchange homes with people living in private rented accommodation.
To find out more about swapping homes, please phone our customer service team on 0300 500 8000.
For more on our Mutual Exchange policy, download out PDF: Clarion Mutual Exchange Policy (pdf)
Step 2: register on the House Exchange website
Once you’ve registered on the House Exchange website, we'll verify your information and activate your account if eligible. You will receive a notification once your account has been reviewed.
If your registration can't be verified, we'll let you know the reason and, if necessary, help you get in touch with our customer service team.
If you can’t access House Exchange to register, please phone our customer service team on 0300 500 8000 or contact the House Exchange team via email at houseexchangehelp@clarionhg.com.
Step 3: search for a new home
After your account is verified, your home will appear on House Exchange and you can start searching for a new home.
You can also download the free House Exchange smartphone app to make searching even easier.
Step 4: submit your application
When you find someone to swap homes with, phone our customer service team on 0300 500 8000 to talk about how to complete your exchange, and to get an application form.
We'll check that both homes are ok to swap. For example, that they both have the right number of bedrooms. We'll then confirm that you're eligible to exchange homes.
At this point, you should also think about your tenancy type. If you have a lifetime tenancy and the person you're swapping with has a fixed-term tenancy, it's not always possible for you both to keep your tenancy type. So, you need to decide whether you're prepared to swap for a different tenancy.
If you're happy to proceed, you and the person you're swapping with will then need to complete your application forms and supply and necessary supporting information.
Step 5: finalise your move
We’ll assess the applications and arrange to inspect the condition of your home. If your exchange partner isn’t a Clarion resident, we’ll ask their landlord for a reference and supply them with a reference for you.
You should get a decision on the exchange within 42 days of submitting your application.
If your application is approved, we’ll agree a convenient moving date for you and your exchange partner.
Rejected applications
Some exchanges do get rejected, mostly because of:
- a home having the wrong number of bedrooms
- home adaptations for a disabled person that won’t be used
- outstanding rent arrears
- tenancy breaches.