Time to view?

Read all our advice below before arranging and carrying out viewings.

Please ensure you consider any restrictions and public health safety advice relating to the coronavirus pandemic. You should not visit someone's home, or allow a visitor into your home, if you or anyone in your household are self-isolating or experiencing symptoms.

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Remember, when you arrange a viewing you’re dealing with a stranger.

Character references or health and safety assessments are not carried out on HomeSwap users.

Your safety is important to us. To help you stay safe follow these simple rules:

• Remember, when it comes to mutual exchange, it’s not just about finding something you want, the other tenant needs to be interested in your home as well
• When you've found the right match, arrange with the other tenant to visit on a mutually agreed date and time
• Don’t turn up unannounced – you may not be welcome
• If you can’t make it, let the other tenant know beforehand, and rearrange the viewing if you’re still interested

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• Plan your journey in advance
• Try to view the property in daylight
• Try to take someone with you
• If going alone, tell someone where you’re going and when you’re likely to return. Make sure you tell them the name, address and telephone number of the person you're visiting and the time you're viewing
• If you haven’t managed to tell anyone, leave the same information in an obvious place in your home, or call your answering machine and leave a message with these details
• If going alone, try to arrange for someone to collect you at a pre-arranged time
• Ask if anyone else will be at the property when you are viewing. Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed to say you're aware of your personal safety
• Carry a personal alarm and have it in an easily accessible pocket
• Take your mobile phone - keep it switched on and in a safe place, out of view. If you don’t have one, borrow one
• Trust your instincts. If you have a funny feeling about something, leave straight away. Be prepared with an excuse to leave before attending the viewing
• Remember, be polite about the property you're viewing
• Don’t accept a lift before or after viewing a property – no matter how tempting the offer

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• Don’t give out unnecessary personal details
• Try to make sure someone is with you during the viewing
• Let a friend or neighbour know that someone is coming to see your home. Give the name, address and telephone number of the person, and the time of the viewing
• Phone a friend or neighbour and ask them to come immediately if you're feeling in any way uneasy in the situation

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• You need to be satisfied with all aspects of the property and be happy to accept it in its current condition. Your exchanging tenant must also feel the same about your home
• Make sure you discuss all details relating to the property with the outgoing tenant
• Ensure you can afford the property - rent charges and other monthly costs will vary
• All tenants and joint tenants must agree, and you must all want to proceed

If you want to proceed with the exchange, you must request permission from your landlord. Click here for more information.

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