Moving Between Council Houses in Wales: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Changing council homes in Wales can help if your current property no longer meets your needs. Whether you’re seeking a different size, location, or accessible features, there are set processes to request a transfer or mutual exchange. Understanding these steps and your rights under Welsh law gives you the confidence to make your next move.

Understanding Council Home Transfers in Wales

If you rent a home from your local authority or a housing association, you may be eligible to move to another social housing property. Council home moves in Wales typically happen in two ways:

• Applying for a transfer through your council or housing association
• Arranging a mutual exchange with another social housing tenant

Your eligibility and priority depend on your personal circumstances, your existing tenancy agreement, and current demand within your local area.

Who Can Move and When?

Most secure or assured tenants within Wales can seek to move. You may wish to transfer if:

• Your home is overcrowded or under-occupied
• Your health or mobility needs have changed
• You need to move closer to family, work, or support services
• You are experiencing harassment or other urgent issues

If your tenancy is introductory (usually your first 12 months), there may be restrictions—check with your local authority or housing association for details.

Council Home Transfer Applications

To apply for a transfer, you’ll use a local council's housing transfer application form. Each council in Wales may have slightly different rules and forms, but the main steps are similar:

• Contact your landlord (council or housing association) to request a transfer application form.
• Complete the form with details about your household and reasons for moving.
• Provide any supporting documents, such as medical letters or proof of overcrowding.
• Your landlord will assess your application and band your priority according to their allocations policy.

Example: Rhian is a council tenant in Cardiff with a new baby, needing an extra bedroom. She completes the Cardiff Council’s Housing Transfer Application, submitting her child’s birth certificate as supporting evidence. She is placed on the waiting list and notified when a suitable property becomes available.

Find your council’s transfer process via the Welsh Government’s official council directory.

Official Form: Council or Housing Association Transfer Application

• When/How Used: Use this form if you want to request a move to another social or council property within your landlord’s area.
• Where to Get: Contact your local council or housing association directly, or visit their website for application guidance and downloads.
• More on applying for a council home transfer

Mutual Exchange: Swapping Your Home

A mutual exchange lets you swap your property with another secure or assured tenant anywhere in the UK (not just in Wales). This can be faster than waiting for a regular transfer, but both parties need approval from their landlords.

• Register for free on HomeSwapper (many Welsh councils join this scheme)
• Find suitable swap partners
• Apply for mutual exchange through your landlord, using their specific form
• Both landlords must approve the swap before you can move

Learn more at the UK Government’s mutual exchange guide.

Official Form: Mutual Exchange Application

• When/How Used: Use when you find another tenant you wish to swap homes with. Both parties must apply to their respective landlords.
• Where to Get: Your landlord will provide the form directly—contact your council or housing association.
• See specific mutual exchange rules and application tips

Key Legal Protections and Your Rights

Tenants’ rights in Wales are protected under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016^[1]. This law covers how tenancies are granted, ended, and changed—including transfers and exchanges. Councils must follow a fair housing allocations scheme and assess your needs without discrimination.

If your request is refused, you are entitled to know the reasons and, in some cases, you can request a review.

Disputes and Where to Appeal

If you believe your transfer request or mutual exchange is unreasonably refused, you can:

• Ask your landlord for a formal review (each council/housing association must have a complaints or appeals process).
• Contact the Residential Property Tribunal Wales if your legal tenancy rights are affected, such as a dispute about the legality of a refusal or notice.

For more information about tenant rights and the appeals process, visit Welsh Government Social Housing.

Your Step-by-Step Moving Checklist

Here’s a summary of what to do when moving between council homes in Wales:

• Speak with your council or housing association and check your eligibility
• Complete the correct application form (transfer or mutual exchange)
• Gather supporting documents (medical, family, employment evidence as needed)
• Wait for landlord assessment—respond promptly to any information requests
• If approved, confirm your moving date and update utility suppliers/services

Following these steps helps renters secure their next social housing move smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can anyone move between council homes in Wales?
   Generally, secure and assured tenants can request a move, but eligibility is based on individual and local criteria. Introductory tenants may face restrictions—ask your landlord for details.
2. How long does a council house transfer take?
   Waiting times vary by area and your priority banding. Some moves happen in a few months, others may take longer due to demand or property availability.
3. Is a landlord allowed to refuse a mutual exchange?
   Yes, but only for specific reasons under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, such as rent arrears, property size mismatch, or breach of tenancy conditions.
4. What should I do if my transfer request is refused?
   Request written reasons for the refusal and use your landlord’s complaints or appeals process. You can seek further advice from Residential Property Tribunal Wales if needed.
5. Can I swap my Welsh council house with someone outside Wales?
   Yes, via schemes like HomeSwapper. Both landlords must approve the move before any exchange happens.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Welsh Government: Social Housing Advice
• Council House Transfer Guidance
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales – handles tenancy and housing disputes
• Shelter Cymru – free tenant advice
• HomeSwapper – register for mutual exchange

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1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 – read the full legislation

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