A Guide to Happy Swapping
You will have seen from our ‘Terms and Conditions' page and our Privacy Policy that we're pretty strict about what we do and don't allow to happen on our Website, and very clear about what we take responsibility for and what we don't.
Normally we rely on you - the members - to deal with each other with honesty, mutual respect and friendliness. This is essentially a friendly site, and we hope that friendships will be forged in the process of homeswapping.
So although we don't want to hassle you with rules and regulations, we are offering a few hints about how to conduct negotiations and exchanges, which we think most reasonable people would take for granted....
Listing Your Home
- Always describe your home and its amenities honestly and accurately. Include any possible drawbacks; this won't deter people who really want to swap with you, and your honesty will be much appreciated.
- Make your home more attractive by listing things to see and do in your locality including places of interest, beauty spots, sports facilities and children's attractions.
- We can't emphasise too strongly the importance of adding pictures to your listing. All our feedback indicates that members are much more likely to enter a swap agreement if there are photos. If you have any problems resizing or uploading images - don't hesitate to get in touch.
Contacting Members
- We urge all members to take the initiative in proposing swaps. The more swap enquiries you send out the likelier it is that you will be successful.
- Nothing is more frustrating than making swap enquiries which remain unanswered. Please, under no circumstances, ever ignore a swap request. We regard this as so important that we've refined out enquiry email system so that, on receipt of a swap request, you are only 1 click away from either accepting a swap offer (in principle) or politely declining it.
- Communicate with your potential swap partner as fully and as often as possible. Most potential problems will be avoided if partners talk to each other enough. Whilst initial contact will always be via email, potential partners will get to know each other much better by talking on the telephone.
Arranging Your Swap
- When it is time to start negotiating an agreed swap, don't be shy about making your wishes clear any 'house rules' that you want observed, including permission to bring children or pets. Try not to leave any issues unresolved. Clarity now will avoid misunderstanding later. It may help to draw up a written agreement approved by both partners.
- If you are swapping rented accommodation, make sure that your landlord agrees, and that there are no outstanding insurance issues.
- The same goes for the insurance of owner-occupied properties; most insurance companies will insure against loss or damage whilst your home is being occupied by friends, or is being used as a holiday home, but they may require you to inform them beforehand. If you are in any doubt about this, make sure before you agree to swap, by reading your home insurance policy statement, contacting your insurer if you are in any doubt, and taking out any extra cover which may be necessary.
- Once you've agreed to a swap, honour your agreement. You should cancel only in an emergency, and then give your swapping partner as much notice as you can.
Preparing Your Home For A Swap
- Agree clear and foolproof arrangements for the collection and handing in of keys, using friends and neighbours where possible.
- Be sure to leave essential information about household appliances, deliveries and services (Download our specimen welcome folder). This is particularly important in the case of safety equipment, such as fire and burglar alarms and electrical fuse-boxes; you should make absolutely sure that all safety equipment is in good working order, and that your guests have clear instructions in how to use it.
- Provide your swap partner with as much information as possible about local shops, pubs, restaurants, takeaways and transport timetables. Always leave emergency telephone numbers (doctors, dentists, plumbers, electricians and police).
- In case of emergency, make sure that both partners are contactable, preferably by telephone for the duration of the exchange. If you cannot be contacted directly, leave the number of a relative, neighbour or friend.
- Make sure that any items of intrinsic or sentimental value are safely locked away, if necessary in a secure room.
- Try to ensure that your guests have adequate drawer and wardrobe space, bed linen, basic toiletries and kitchen staples.
During Your Swap
- Welcoming touches: a vase of flowers, some home-baked cakes, or even just fresh milk and bread, are much appreciated. Remember that your partner(s) may have travelled a long way to reach your home.
- In the event of accidental damage or breakdown in a home you are staying in, alert the owner as soon as possible and agree sensible arrangements for repair or compensation.
- Always leave the home you've just visited, clean, tidy, safe, secure and in good working order. It's alway nice to leave a parting gift to show your appreciation. Treat your holiday home as you would want your partner to treat yours.