Mutual exchanges

Can I swap my property with another public housing tenant?

Under certain circumstances you can apply for approval to exchange properties with other tenants of the department. This is called a mutual exchange (PDF).

Are there any conditions?

To be considered for a mutual exchange, each tenant must meet all of the following criteria:

• Each tenant is eligible for the property to which they are transferring (for example, they are entitled to that number of bedrooms).
• Each tenant's property has been properly cared for and maintained in accordance with the terms of the State Tenancy Agreement.
• Each tenant must agree to accept the property they wish to transfer to in its current condition and sign the declaration to the effect on the application form.
• Each tenant must have been a tenant for a continuous period of at least the last two years.

• Any arrears or maintenance debts must be paid in full before the exchange can proceeds.

What happens next?

The department will assess each tenant's application to establish if you are both eligible for the mutal exchange.The department will also arrange to inspect your current property.

Note: if there are any maintenance charges or outstanding rent arrears to be paid, you must pay these in full before the mutual exchange can proceed. When your mutal exchange application is approved, you will be required to sign a new State Tenancy Agreement for the property to which you are transferring.

More information

Please contact your nearest Housing Service Centre.