We are often asked about the practicalities of the swapping and letting how it works

The following are answers to some common questions for those considering exchanging and letting their holiday property.

Read what our satisfied members have to say in our Media & Testimonials section.

1. How do I join?
Click the 'Join' link at the top of the page. Fill in the form and you are joined.

2. How do I upload a property?
You manage all of your properties in your 'Settings and Profile' section. After you log in, click 'Settings and Profiles' to bring you to you Settings and Profiles section. There you will see a section 'Property Portfolio'. All the properties you have uploaded will be listed here. To add a new property, click the 'Add' button.

3. How do I communicate with a person who has a property advertised on this site?
You can send any other user on the site a message in two ways. Either click the 'Contact Advertiser' link on the property page, or click 'Mail' when you are on the other users profile page.

4. How long will my property stay on this site?
For as long as you want. We do not take properties down.

5. How much does it cost to join team PropertySwap?
Absolutely free, there is no charge to join.

6. Is there a limit to the number of exchanges members can do or properties they can upload?
No, members can partake in as many swaps as they like in any given year of membership. The system also allows for 5 property uploads per member.

7. Can I exchange my main residence
Yes.

8. I don't own a holiday home can I still join PropertySwap?
Yes. You can then contact members with a view to renting.

7. What happens if a guest causes damage to the holiday home?
PropertySwap members agree to be responsible for any damages which they might accidentally incur during their stay in the property, although most holiday home insurance policies cover damage by a guest (the same as if you were renting the property), but this should be clarified by each owner prior to an exchange taking place.Team property swap does not take any responsibility or liability for damage caused during the swap activities. We strongly recommend that all owners clarify with each other how potential damages are paid for in the event that they happen.

8. Do exchanges have to be at the same time or for the same duration?
No, holiday home swaps don't have to be at the same time or for the same duration. Holiday home swaps are extremely flexible. This is up to the two owners to decide.

9. Does Team Property Swap have any involvement in the actual swap itself?
No, we have no involvement other than giving you access to the services Team Property Swap provides in order for you to arrange your swap. All agreements are private, mutually agreed arrangements between members.

10. Is it safe to exchange my holiday home?
Yes, members of Property Swap are responsible holiday home owners like yourself. If you have rented your holiday home before then the idea of having people whom you do not know in your holiday home is something that you have already considered and come to terms with. Having somebody in your holiday home when you will also be using theirs gives each member a greater incentive to treat the other member's holiday home with respect. As members discuss and prepare their swap arrangements, a degree of trust will build up. The mutual respect of each others property makes a holiday home exchange successful.

11. Will members personal information be exposed on the internet?
No, Team Property Swap does not require you to enter any details about yourself. You only provide what personal information you are comfortable providing. We do require your email address, however we NEVER show your email address to anyone. Members can make first contact with other members by using the 'send message to this user' facility in Team Property Swap. This is a private messaging system. We will automatically send you an email if you receive a private message.

12. What about bills and insurance?
Members must agree in advance who will be responsible for which bills related to the exchange, particularly any optional extras that might be available (e.g. a phone). In most cases holiday home owners will continue to pay their own bills during the exchange. The majority of members holiday home insurance policies will cover guests/renters in the property, but this should be clarified by each holiday home owner prior to an exchange taking place.

If you have any further questions that were not answered here please give us feedback.

Letting out your property, especially if it is in a popular holiday area, is an ideal way to cover your costs. Dealing with bookings yourself is easier than you think and is very cost-effective.

Dealing with holidaymaker enquiries and subsequent bookings efficiently is in everyone's best interests. You'll give a professional impression to holidaymakers and having an established procedure will make your life easier and save you stress as well.

From confirming the booking, to returning the security deposit, the following will help you through the whole booking process:

1. Confirmation and contracts
(i) Once a holidaymaker has expressed an interest in renting your holiday home and you are happy to accept the booking, it's good practice to reserve the dates for a short period.
(ii) When a definite wish to book arises, explain that to secure the booking renters will need to return a booking deposit and completed booking contract within a set time; usually three to five days.
(iii) The booking deposit is a proportion of the final balance due; 10-20 per cent is standard. Make it clear if this is non-refundable.
(iv) If you don't receive the contract and deposit when expected, then contact the holidaymaker to check there are no problems with the booking.

2. Set a payment schedule
(i) If you are dealing with a last-minute booking then it is fine to ask for the whole balance in one lump sum.
(ii) For normal bookings, give the option for guests to pay in instalments if they wish.
(iii) Set a date by which the final balance should be paid. This is down to your discretion, but is typically 6-10 weeks before arrival. This will give you time to readvertise the week(s) in the event of a cancellation.

3. Get a security deposit
(i) This should cover any damage that your guests may cause at your holiday home.
(ii) Let renters know that any repairs, additional cleaning and major replacements will be deducted from the security deposit.
(iii) The exact sum depends upon the individual property and what's in it, but as a guide at least 15 per cent of the final balance is standard.
(iv) Ask for the deposit by a set date and cash it straight away, along with the final balance; leave yourself time to deal with the worst case scenario of a cheque bouncing.

4. Make arrangements for keys and send directions
(i) Once the final balance has cleared, send out directions to your holiday home - consider pictorial directions if it requires complicated instructions.
(ii) If you're posting keys to your renter, make clear when they can expect them.
(iii) If you have a key holder on site, then send necessary contact details to the holidaymaker and your representative.
(iv) Clarify any other methods of key exchange, for example if you have a key safe.
(v) Remind your renters of arrival/departure procedures.

5. Be contactable during your guests' holiday
(i) If you aren't on site, then make sure your guests have the contact details for a local representative as well.

6. Check the property and return the security deposit
(i) Once your guests have left, inspect the property if possible or have a local representative inspect it and refund the security deposit accordingly.
(ii) Don't deduct for small breakages such as glasses and plates. Either ask that guests replace them during their stay or have some spares ready for a quick changeover.
(iii) Refund the deposit within the agreed time frame.
(iv) If you do need to deduct from the deposit, keep all receipts for expenses incurred, make sure either you or your management company keep comprehensive records of problems and photograph any serious damage.