Information on Mutual Exchanges

Leeds Federated seeks to make the best use of its housing stock and is committed to facilitating the mobility needs and housing preferences of its tenants and therefore looks favourably at requests to exchange that meet with policy and any legal considerations.

Leeds Federated is legally bound to respond to mutual exchange requests within 6 weeks but aims to do so within 4 weeks. LF will deal fairly, openly and promptly with all mutual exchange requests received, and will provide full reasons in writing where a request is refused.

A procedure is set out for staff which is based on the legal requirements placed on social landlords and is in accordance with LF service standards.

RSL tenants with an assured tenancy only have a legal right to exchange their homes with tenants of other housing associations or local authority tenants who hold either assured or secure tenancies only. Tenants on assured shorthold, introductory or starter tenancies do not have a legal right to exchange.

Routes to a Mutual Exchange

Waiting List
There are several routes available for mutual exchanges. The first is to register on the association's mutual exchange register. This can be done by completing a registration form which you can download by clicking the link. Link to mx reg form An information sheet giving brief details of the process itself and other important issues to be considered before applying can be downloaded here. Link to information sheet here

Leeds Federated maintain a register of tenants interested in mutual exchanges in Leeds. A similar register is also kept by the local authority and housing associations. Please contact the individual organisations if you are interested in these. Link to www.leeds.gov.uk and www.harrogate.gov.uk and www.wdh.org.uk

Finding a Partner

Leeds Federated, the local authority and housing associations should all maintain a register of people interested in mutual exchanges which you will be able to inspect during their office opening hours.

Things to look for:
Check the size of property is suitable for your family
Does it have central heating?
Is it on a busy road?
Do you need a garden?
If you have a pet then is the other property suitable for a pet?
Check the proximity of facilities in the area - shops, bus routes, car parking, sports facilities, nurseries and schools
How much is the rent?
What about the council tax and electricity and gas bills - can you afford them? You can link to our budget sheet here to help work this out. Link to can you afford it leaflet?

Once you have both checked out each other's properties and are sure that everything is suitable and you both wish to exchange then you should contact your respective housing officers immediately. If you are a Leeds Federated tenant you can do this by phoning us on 0113 386 1000 or e-mailing on homes@lfha.co.uk

I have already found a partner

If you have already found someone willing to exchange with you, you can download forms for each party to complete here. There are different forms for Leeds Federated tenants and tenants of the council or other housing associations. Click for link to exchange forms x 2.

You would not be considered for a mutual exchange if you have:

• Any rent arrears currently or from previous Leeds Federated tenancies
• Any outstanding charges with Leeds Federated no matter how they have arisen (in the case of rent arrears or other applicable charges an opportunity will be given for the tenants to repay in full so they can be considered for an exchange)
• You or a member of your household has been involved in incidences of anti-social behaviour
• The property you are moving into is too small or too large for your household (we would consider one spare bedroom to be acceptable)
• The property you are moving out of is too small for the household proposing to move in
• The property has been designated for people over a certain age and your household does not qualify
• You or your exchange partner are on an assured shorthold tenancy or an introductory tenancy
• You occupy a property leased by Leeds Federated from another landlord

Exclusions from Mutual Exchanges

Tenants on starter or introductory tenancies, assured shorthold tenancies or in accommodation earmarked for demolition or other improvements do not have any legal right to exchange properties. Some other exclusions may apply.
Special Considerations

Tenants occupying specially designated student accommodation may be considering for exchanges with others in student accommodation but this is at the discretion of the Commercial Projects Officer or Head of Neighbourhood Services only and the conditions applicable to general exchanges must also be adhered to.

Exchange Process

Once you have found an exchange partner:
• you should inform your Neighbourhood Officer if you are a Leeds Federated tenant or your own landlord if not and provide details of the exchange partner
• your home will be inspected and you may be asked to put right any repairs which are the responsibility of the tenant
• we will carry out tenancy checks on both parties.

If the exchange is considered to be suitable for both parties then we will invite all tenants to the office to sign the necessary paperwork.

Difference in Tenancy Types

There is a difference in the type of tenancy offered by housing associations and local authorities and you should carefully check that the agreement would be suitable to your needs. Click here to link to a comparison of terms. Link to comparison sheet

Leeds Federated will regularly review and update the Mutual Exchange Register.

Moving to another part of country

You can also exchange with tenants in other parts of the country by using Homeswap the national mobility scheme. Link here to www.moveUK.com