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Mutual exchange

Find out how to swap homes using the HomeSwapper website.

Swap homes using HomeSwapper

HomeSwapper simplifies the process of finding your ideal home. Just match and move!

The HomeSwapper website has a variety of homes available to swap across the UK and from different housing associations, local authorities and co-operatives - not just Clarion homes. You can search according to the location, size, tenancy and type of home you want. It may also be handy to know that swapping homes is sometimes called a 'mutual exchange'.

Registration to HomeSwapper is free for all Clarion residents.

How Mutual 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 HomeSwapper website

Once you’ve registered on the HomeSwapper 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 HomeSwapper to register, please phone our customer service team on 0300 500 8000.

Step 3: search for a new home

After your account is verified, your home will appear on HomeSwapper and you can start searching for a new home.

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.

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