HOUSE SWAP FAQ

Here are the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. Don't see what you need? Contact us.

1. What is House Swap?

House Swap is where you, as the owner of a property, organise to 'swap houses' with the owner of another property for a selected period of time for vacation.

2. How can I register my property for House Swap with RFTH?

Simply list your property with RFTH, and in the listing process, choose the House Swap option. Then search through the other properties available world-wide for House Swap and contact the Owner to organise your House Swap. Other Owners may also initiate contact with you to organise a House Swap with your property by contacting you through the privacy protected contact form at the bottom of your listing.

3. How safe is House Swap?

Actually the statistics on House Swap experiences rate very positively. In exchanging residences with another home owner, you are more likely to have your property treated and looked after in the same fashion that they would expect to be shown by others vacationing in their home. Participating in the House Swap through RFTH also ensures that the property you will be visiting has been verified by us as a legitimate listing. RFTH will also provide you with access to our sample agreements so you can have these in place for added security.

4. What about insurance and liability?

Your own insurance company will be able to best advise you on what is required for your particular circumstance.

5. What shall we do with our belongings?

We recommend that you securely store away any items of significant value, however the general understanding between House Swap participants is that basic personal items may be left in the house.

6. Should we make our vehicle/s available for the Guests?

This is entirely up to you and the agreement you come to with the Owner of the property you will be exchanging homes with. Things to consider would be insurance and local laws regarding international drivers.

7. Can we leave our pets behind, or take them with us?

Again, this will be up to you and the arrangements between you and the Owner of the property you will be visiting. Any information regarding your preferences on this should be included in your listing.

8. Does the House Swap have to occur at the same time?

It's traditional for properties to be exchanged during the same time period, however if an owner has a second property they are making available for the House Swap then this may allow for more flexibility. There's also the option that you could stay in one property while the Owner is away somewhere else, and allow them to stay in your property at some other time.

9. Do I have to provide food for the Guests?

This is another detail that will be agreed upon between you and the other Owner. Some old-time House Swap participants like to add a little extra to the experience by providing the Guests with a few goodies on arrival. Though there may be food left in the house, it should be outlined in the Agreement as to what exactly is available for the Guest's use during their stay.

10. Am I eligible for the RFTH Holiday Rental Guarantee by participating in the House Swap program?

As you are customarily not outlaying any money for the House Swap, you are not eligible to qualify for the RFTH Holiday Rental Guarantee. However, you still have the extra level of assurance offered by our Verification Service and knowing that you will be visiting a property that has, in some way, been verified by RFTH.