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Renters, HomeOwners & Swappers
Here are some general helpful hints you may find useful before you find a roommate, sublet your room or apartment, or swap your place with other members:
- Make sure you have clarified all financial issues, such as monthly rent, deposit, utility bills (heating, electricity, gas, water, Internet, garbage disposal, etc.). Who pays for what, how much, and when? Get everything in writing!
- Use Skype and have a live video chat with each other.
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Ask for verified pictures of the other room/apartment (ask to see pictures where your exchange partner shows a piece of paper with your name on it - a very simple but efficient way to avoid fraud and scam!
- NEVER send any money upfront and never wire money via Western Union, MoneyGram or similar services.
- For verification of the address, you can ask to see the latest utility bill (for example the latest electricity/heating/gas bill.)
- Renters and HomeOwners should both fill out the Rental agreement form, specifying the terms of the rental agreement between you and the Renter/HomeOwner. Swappers should use the Exchange agreement form.
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Please note: CasaSwap does not assume any responsibility whatsoever, regarding all matters pertaining to the utilization of the agreements, or potential violation of these. The agreement forms are simply intended as helpful suggestions. For further information, please read the Legal Terms.
Before exchanging/swapping accommodation
Having concerns about letting strangers into your home is completely understandable. However, remember that the exchange-partner is facing the very same concerns and questions as you are! Therefore, CasaSwap has made the following list of advice in order to make the exchange a safe and pleasant one:
- Take the time and the effort to build mutual trust and sincerity before the exchange. Write letters, send e-mails (including photos of your home), where you tell more about yourself, your interests, your home and the area where you live.
- Use Skype and have a live video chat with each other.
- Ask for verified pictures of the other room/apartment (ask to see pictures where your exchange partner shows a piece of paper with your name on it - a very simple but efficient way to avoid fraud and scam!
- NEVER send any money upfront and never wire money via Western Union, MoneyGram or similar services.
- Most home-exchanges take place without any problems whatsoever, and we are confident that you will experience just the same. Insurance companies and police authorities actually agree that your home is much safer with someone living in it, instead of you leaving an empty home.
Read our guide on how to avoid scam and fraud on the Internet