Changing a tenancy - Mutual exchange

1. Criteria for approving a mutual exchange

Homes NSW will only approve a mutual exchange if:

• rent, water and other tenancy charge accounts are up to date, and
• the number of bedrooms is appropriate to the size of the household, and
• any damage to the current dwellings is fixed before moving, and
• the income of both tenants does not exceed the income eligibility limits for social housing (this condition may be waived if the exchange is related to a medical condition or disability that means the current housing is unsuitable), and
• there are no unresolved substantiated antisocial behaviour complaints against either tenant, and
• the tenants agree to accept the relevant type and length of lease when they move.

Homes NSW will generally not approve a mutual exchange if:

• one of the properties is part of a proposed redevelopment site or likely to be sold
• a property would be under-occupied by more than one bedroom, or severely overcrowded
• extensive modifications have been made to a dwelling to meet the needs of one of the tenants
• the exchange would result in a tenant losing an advantage gained by a previous transfer
• one of the properties is a Senior Communities property and the exchanging tenant does not meet the eligibility criteria for a Senior Communities property
• one of the properties is an Aboriginal Housing Office property and the exchanging tenant (or one or more of their household members) is not an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.