Register for a public housing transfer or tenant exchange
If you want to move to a different public or Aboriginal housing property you may be able to register for a transfer or tenant exchange.
A registration for transfer is placed on the housing register and prioritised based on your household's needs.
If you register for a tenant exchange, you are responsible for finding another public or Aboriginal housing tenant to swap properties with.
Registering for a transfer
Eligibility
You're eligible for a transfer if you either:
- have lived in your current property for at least three years
- are eligible for Category 1 or 2.
How to apply
1. Complete registration for transfer
Complete a registration for transfer (111.8 KB PDF).
2. Other documents you'll need
Provide proof of identity
Provide proof of identity for anyone in your household aged 16 and over who haven't previously given Housing SA their proof of identity.
Transferring to Aboriginal housing
If you're registering to transfer from public to Aboriginal housing, you'll also need to complete a Confirmation of Aboriginality form (256.8 KB PDF).
3. Return documents
Return all documents to Housing SA.
You can cancel or update your registration for transfer at any time by contacting Housing SA.
Registering for tenant exchange
Eligibility
You're eligible to register for a tenant exchange if:
- you're a current Housing SA tenant
- your lease agreement is for five or more years or is an ongoing lease agreement
- you don’t have any active, serious and substantiated complaints about antisocial behaviour.
How to apply
1. Register for tenant exchange
Complete a tenant exchange registration form (70.4 KB PDF) and return it to Housing SA.
You can cancel or update your registration for tenant exchange at any time by contacting Housing SA.
2. Find a house to swap
Search the Tenant exchange register at any regional Housing SA office for the properties and areas you'd like to move to.
Information in the register includes:
- number of bedrooms
- type of property
- location
- details of any special features, like a carport
- a tenant exchange number.
When you find a property you're interested in, contact Housing SA with the property's tenant exchange number. Housing SA will give you a contact number for the tenant.
3. View the property
Contact the tenant to arrange a time to see their property, and for them to come and see yours.
4. Get approval to exchange properties
Once you've both decided you want to exchange properties, contact Housing SA.
You can't move until Housing SA approves it.
Things to consider
Before you agree to exchange properties, make sure you're happy with the property’s size, location and condition.
You'll need to pay:
- a deposit for the new property
- water charges up to the date you leave your current property
- any charges for non-fair wear and tear maintenance at your current property.
Related information
Other websites
- Transfer policy - Department of Human Services
- Tenant exchange policy - Department of Human Services
For an alternative version of a document on this page contact Housing SA.
