Mutual property exchange program for Homes NSW tenants

Eligibility

The Mutual Exchange Program allows you to swap your Homes NSW managed property with another Homes NSW tenant. Before swapping, you need to get approval. 

Tenants in Homes NSW managed properties, including tenants of the Aboriginal Housing Office managed by Homes NSW can register for the Mutual Exchange program. 

Organising a mutual exchange

There are 2 ways to find someone to swap homes with:

1. using our computerised register, which will match your details with other suitable tenants in the program
2. you can find someone that matches your needs. You may advertise exchanges in newspapers.

Registering for a mutual exchange

1. Complete the Application for Housing Assistance form. You can find it online or at your local Homes NSW office. This form lets us enter the current information about your home and the type of housing you require in the Mutual Exchange Register.
2. You will receive a letter confirming your registration.

Exchanging your home

1. When a match is found, we send a letter to each tenant. It contains the name and phone number of the other tenant.
2. You are not obligated to accept a swap. You can change your mind at any time before signing a new tenancy agreement.
3. If you decide to swap, or if you find a swap by yourself, fill out the Mutual exchange confirmation and approval form. Return the completed from to your Client Service Officer.
4. We will inspect the properties of matched tenants and check the following criteria for exchange is met:
   • Both tenants’ rent, water and other tenancy accounts must be up to date.
   • Both properties are in a good condition.
   • The type of property and the number of bedrooms in each property must match the needs of each household.
   • There are no problems with either tenancy.
   • Each tenants’ household income does not exceed public social housing income eligibility limits.
5. We will let you know our decision in writing.
6. If your exchange is approved, we will make an appointment for both tenants to sign a new tenancy agreement. You will need to arrange to exchange the keys to the properties and organise your own removalist.
7. You may have to pay a rental bond if you have caused property damage in your previous tenancy. We will advise you if you need to pay a bond at the time of approval.

Reviewing the decision

If you disagree with the decision we’ve made, talk to your client service officer. If you’re still not satisfied, you can ask to have the decision reviewed. For more information visit appeals and reviewing decisions.