- DKO Partners
- Apply to Housing Register
- Who can use the service?
- How to use the service
- Mutual Exchange
- Local Lettings Policies
- Useful Information
- Other Housing Options
- Policy Changes 2013
- Withdrawn adverts
- Prioritising Applications
- CBL Quotas
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Site Map
(this link will open in a new window)Mutual Exchange
What is a mutual exchange?
A mutual exchange is a swap of homes between two or more tenants.
Most Council and most Housing Association tenants, have a right to exchange properties, provided that their landlords give approval.
Mutual exchanges are a quick way to move into a different Council or Housing Association property.
You can exchange your property with another Council or Housing Association tenant anywhere in the country; perhaps to be closer to family or friends, or nearer work, you are not restricted to the area you currently live in.
How do I apply for Mutual Exchange?
If you are interested in the mutual exchange scheme then you can:–
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Complete the online application form in full via the Durham Key Options website.
OR
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You can obtain a form to apply for an exchange and advertise your property by contacting any Durham Key Options partner. Please note that if you complete your registration in this way then it will not be possible for a photograph of your property to be included in your advert.
You will also need to register a standard application with Durham Key Options before you can advertise your property through the mutual exchange facility.
Your Property Advert
Your advert will appear on the website and in the dedicated Durham Key Options mutual exchange magazine for a period of 3 Months.
After the initial three month period your advert will expire automatically. If you have not found a suitable exchange during this time, then you will need to tell DKO that you want to continue to advertise for a swap.
You will be sent a reminder 7 days before your property advert is due to expire. If you want to continue to advertise your property for exchange then you need to tell us at this point
What Happens when you have found an exchange?
If you want to exchange, you and the tenant you want to exchange with must get written permission from your landlord(s) before you can move.
Some checks will be carried out before permission can be granted .Your landlord or your landlords agent may want to inspect your property and make sure that both properties are suitable and in a good state of repair.
They can also advise you if you need to do something to allow your exchange to continue or if you need to find another exchange. See grounds for conditional consent below.
HomeSwapper
Please be aware that some partners that are signed up to the DKO scheme operate a separate mutual exchange scheme called HOMESWAPPER, to find out more on this service go to www.HomeSwapper.co.uk, or contact the relevant partner organisation.