Apartment Exchange as a Secret Tip for a New Home: Here's How It Works

While many apartment seekers use classic online portals and often find a new place only after several viewings, there is also a less used alternative: the apartment exchange. This is not a "secret tip" in the traditional sense, but an often underestimated option that, with proper planning and compliance with legal requirements, represents a realistic and fair alternative to the conventional search process.

Those who are already in a stable rental relationship, need a change, and are willing to actively search for an exchange partner can reach their goal more quickly and easily through apartment exchange. We have all the information on the process at a glance.

Legal Requirements for Apartment Exchange

The Austrian Tenancy Law (§ 13 MRG) allows apartment exchange under certain conditions, with three criteria being decisive: both rental relationships must have existed for at least five years, the apartments must be located in the same municipal area, and there must be a so-called "important reason" – such as a job-related move, family growth, a death in the family, or health necessities. If the landlord refuses consent, an application can be submitted to the court to obtain a substitute permit according to the law.

Special Offer for Municipal Apartments in Vienna

The apartment exchange is particularly established for municipal apartments in Vienna. Here, the city administration offers a clearly regulated procedure. Through the so-called "Wohnungsanzeiger" from "Wiener Wohnen," tenants can publish exchange offers free of charge. The monthly bulletin is available both digitally and in paper form. The city provides comprehensive information brochures and a detailed form package on its website which includes all necessary details for an exchange – including rental contract data, reasons for the exchange request, and confirmations of rent debt freedom.

Finding Exchange Partners via Online Platforms

In addition to the official contact point in Vienna, there are also independent platforms throughout Austria that specialize in exchanges. For example, SMASH Housing offers a free online exchange for apartment swaps in all federal states. The special feature: users are only shown listings that are actually compatible with their own exchange criteria – so-called "match offers". This eliminates the need to scroll through irrelevant ads. The portal tauschwohnung.com also allows users to offer their own apartments for exchange or to specifically search for suitable properties. Both platforms emphasize that the consent of the respective landlords is always required for a legally valid exchange.

Prepare and Submit the Application Correctly

The organizational process for apartment exchanges is clearly structured. First, tenants should check whether they meet the legal requirements mentioned above – in particular, whether the main tenancy has existed for at least five years. In the case of municipal apartments, it is also required that there are no rental arrears and that there is a justifiable housing need (such as due to over- or under-occupancy). Once a suitable exchange partner has been found, the completed forms must be submitted to the responsible authority (such as "Wiener Wohnen"). After an inspection and possibly a home visit, approval ideally follows, after which the actual exchange can be implemented.

The Advantages of Apartment Exchange

There are several advantages to apartment exchanges: both parties do not have to wait for the other to move out, but can relocate simultaneously. This prevents vacancies and double rental burdens. At the same time, the exchange allows for direct entry into an existing tenancy – without having to compete against dozens of other applicants. Financially, apartment exchange is also interesting: brokerage fees are usually eliminated, and the direct transition often allows for optimization of moving costs.

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