Mutual Exchange
A mutual exchange takes place when two or more tenants agree to swap their homes. You may exchange with another Osprey Housing tenant, a Council tenant, or a tenant of a Housing Association. Exchanges cannot be carried out with owner‑occupiers or private rented sector tenants.
For a mutual exchange to be approved, all parties must meet the following conditions:
- Rent accounts must be clear.
- A satisfactory tenancy and property inspection must be completed.
- The properties involved must be suitable in size and type for the households moving into them.
How Do I Apply?
Osprey Housing does not hold a mutual exchange list, and tenants will therefore be required to find potential exchanges themselves.
You can look for potential exchanges by:
- Registering with an independent home swap and housing exchange platforms, such as.
- Using social media, including dedicated mutual exchange Facebook groups, or through word of mouth
If you have found someone you wish to exchange with, please download and complete the form accessed here - Mutual Exchange Form or contact our office if you require a copy to be sent to you in the post.
Once fully completed applications from all parties have been received, Osprey Housing will have 28 days to assess the request and issue a decision
Property inspection
As part of the exchange process, we will carry out an inspection of the Osprey property. This helps us check its condition and identify any alterations, damage or issues you as the current tenant may be responsible for. You will be advised of any repairs that must be completed prior to the exchange being approved and a follow up inspection may be required.
The inspection does not cover decoration, minor appearance issues, or personal items left in lofts, gardens, sheds or other areas.
Tenants taking part in an exchange are expected to leave their home, including any gardens and shared or communal areas, in a clean, tidy, and acceptable condition. It is the responsibility of both parties to agree that they are satisfied with the condition of the properties before proceeding with the exchange.
Accepting items left in the property
Before the exchange goes ahead, you should view the property you are looking to exchange with and agree any items left to be left as part of the exchange.
Items left in the property may include:
- floor coverings, carpets, curtains, blinds and other window fittings
- sheds, greenhouses, decking, fencing, paving, garden structures, loft contents and garden debris
- fixtures, fittings, alterations or improvements that do not belong to the council, such as kitchens, bathrooms, taps, light fittings, splashbacks, doors, skirtings and fixed fires
- furniture, white goods, cookers, hobs, extractor fans and any other appliances.
If you accept these items, you accept responsibility for their condition, repair, replacement and removal. You accept them at your own risk.
Osprey will not be responsible for repairing, maintaining, replacing or removing items left by the outgoing tenant. Osprey will also not be responsible for any loss or damage caused by faults with these items.
If you later end the tenancy, you may need to remove these items and return the property to the standard required by the council.
This does not change Ospreys repair and maintenance responsibilities under the tenancy agreement.