Tips to
make your swap a success
Everything you need to swap your home with peace of mind — with advice from &Swapp swappers.
&Swapp connects young professionals to swap homes. One flat fee per swap, no matter how long you stay.
The 3 swap types
Choose the swap type that best fits your needs and constraints
Simultaneous swap
You swap homes at the same time, on the same dates. Simple and fair.
Non-simultaneous swap
You travel first, then host later. More flexibility.
Flexible dates
Offer several options and adjust based on availability.
What we learned from our swappers
Real advice from people who have done it
Your listing is your calling card
Be honest about your home. No need to oversell — just show your place as it is. Phone photos work great; no professional photographer needed.
What works: take 8–10 photos when your apartment is tidy and bright. Show the kitchen (everyone wants to know if it is equipped 👀), the living room where you hang out, the bedroom, and the view from your window or balcony.
💡 Tip from Marie (Paris → Bordeaux): "I also photographed my neighborhood: the local bakery, the small park, the metro. People want the vibe, not just the apartment."
The real key: talk before you swap
Compatibility shows up fast — you cannot fake the vibe. Have a video call with your future swap partner: in 15 minutes, you will know if you click. It is not a job interview — the goal is to meet, not to convince.
What to actually ask: "Is the Wi-Fi reliable? Are there shops nearby? Can I use a bike?" In short, practical questions.
🎯 Good timing according to Thomas (Marseille → Lyon):
"2–3 months ahead is perfect. Too early and people do not know their availability yet. Too late and the best spots are gone. And if you are searching after May, avoid July–August — it is war."
Prepare your home
No need for perfection — a thorough clean is enough. Prepare your home to welcome guests: tidy, clean, and pleasant.
Also free up some space (closet, shelf, drawer) so they can store a few belongings and feel at home.
Finally, put valuables away in a locked closet or dedicated room.
✍️ The little guide that saves the day
A Word doc or notebook: WiFi, gate code, trash pickup, your neighborhood tips, etc.
📦 Keys — the puzzle
Lockbox (about €20 on Amazon), key drop at a shop or hotel, or a friendly neighbor. Several options exist.
Insurance
Call your home insurer. Just say: "I'm swapping my apartment with someone for 2 weeks — am I covered?" In 95% of cases, the answer is yes (it is included in liability coverage).
If your insurer says no, consider switching. Home swapping is legal and you will easily find another insurer that covers this situation.
⚠️ Renters: if you rent, check your lease. Some leases include a clause prohibiting hosting third parties.
2–3 min · No commitment
What if things go wrong?
You break something at your host's place
It happens: a glass slips, a stain on the sofa, an appliance jams… Stay calm and tell your host quickly (ideally within the hour), with a photo and a clear message: "Sorry, I broke a glass. I'll reimburse you, of course."
In most cases, everything is resolved amicably. Offer a simple solution right away (replacement, contribution, cleaning) with a constructive attitude — it always helps.
For a major incident, insurance steps in. Contact yours, explain the situation, and follow their instructions.
You come home and your place is not spotless
Dishes left out, unmade bed, stain on the sofa… Start by taking photos, then send a message within 48 hours. No need to accuse — just describe the facts and ask what happened.
Often it is an oversight, a misunderstanding, or an accident. The person apologizes and offers to pay for cleaning or replace the damaged item. If you get no response, contact us and we will step in.
⭐ Leave an honest review. Stay factual and respectful — it helps future swappers and is one of the pillars of the community.
Your host cancels 3 days before
It is rare, but it can happen (family emergency, health issue, work constraint…). If it happens to you, : we will do our best to help you find a replacement in the same city.
However, &Swapp cannot refund your transport tickets. If you are traveling far, cancellation insurance can be a good option to limit the risk.
When everything goes well (95% of the time)
You come home, your place is spotless, your host sends a friendly message with photos from their stay at your place. You reply with yours. You leave a good review. Sometimes you stay in touch; sometimes you cross paths again.
That is the spirit of &Swapp swapping: not just saving on lodging, but living a real experience, discovering a neighborhood and a city, and meeting people who share your mindset.
🌍 Welcome to the &Swapp community
Frequently asked questions
Ready to live your first experience?
Join the &Swapp community and start swapping today