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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a holiday home swap or exchange?
Home exchange is a mutual exchange of homes or holiday homes, usually at the same time, for an agreed period. This enables both parties to the exchange to have rent-free accommodation during the exchange. Your exchange partner may live in the same country or half way the world! Your homes may be similar in size and style or totally different - all that matters is that you are both happy with the exchange arrangements you have agreed in your arrangements before the exchange takes place.
 
Can renters take part in a home exchange?
Anyone with a home can take part. If your home is rented check first for permission from your landlord. In most cases, the landlord will be happy that the home is not being left empty during your holiday.

Should exchanged lodgings be equivalent?
Not necessarily : Some swap a villa in the canadian country side for a studio in the middle of Paris.
 
Is it safe to leave my home to people I don’t know?
Members tend to take even greater care of their exchange home than of their own. Most are people with standards like yours, and being guests in each other’s home creates a very special bond of trust. Moreover, you’ll find that you establish a unique relationship with your exchange family as you each prepare for the exchange, so that you are firm friends even before the holiday begins.
 
Am I limited to one exchange holiday during my membership period? 
No. You can arrange more than one exchange if you wish. Some members arrange short breaks close to home as well as longer holidays abroad. You may also change any information you want in your own website listing at any time during your membership period.
 
Can I exchange cars as well?
Yes, certainly, but do check that your insurance covers your exchange partner before agreeing to exchange cars. Also ensure that you are both aware of any restrictions on car use, e.g. mileage, minimum age of drivers or areas.
 
Who pays the bills? 
Pay all mortgage and utility bills as you normally would, and agree in advance who should pay the phone bills - each exchange party normally pays for their own telephone calls. The home owner continues to pay for any regular cleaning help, gardeners, pool service etc. However, if the exchange party hires a maid, etc., payment is their responsibility. Members must agree in advance who will be responsible for any extra payment to ensure fairness to both parties.

What if my exchange partner cancels at the last minute?
Once you are sure your arrangements have been finalised, agree to both book your airline tickets at the same time. Then, if you each make copies of the tickets to fax or send to the other this will be an extra reassurance for both. Once significant amounts of money have been invested, it is extremely unlikely that either side will cancel except for valid reasons such as serious illness or a death in the family. Check when buying travel insurance that the policy will cover you in these instances.
 

 
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