Does the holiday apartment in South Tyrol suddenly cost more than the train tickets for the whole family? That is exactly when many people ask themselves: Can tenants exchange apartments? The short answer is: Yes, in principle already. But unlike owners, tenants should first bring an important person on board: the landlord.
We like to travel with apartment swaps because a vacation feels much more like everyday life at the destination – only after the everyday life you have chosen. A kitchen for the family breakfast, a children's room with books, maybe a balcony and a supermarket around the corner: That is often more valuable to us than an anonymous hotel room. As a tenant, this is also possible if you organize it openly, cleanly and in a timely manner.
Can tenants exchange the apartment?
A temporary apartment exchange usually means that foreign guests will stay in your rental apartment during your trip and you will stay with them in return. Legally, this can be considered a transfer of use to a third party or subletting. What matters is not whether money is involved. Even if both parties live for free, you are handing over the apartment to someone else.
Therefore, for tenants in Germany, a practical rule of thumb is: obtain the landlord’s consent before you commit to a swap. This is particularly clear when it comes to the entire apartment. Those who only leave one room and continue to live there themselves are in a different situation – but this rarely applies to a classic holiday swap.
In Switzerland and Austria, the contractual terms and conditions may differ. Also within Germany, it depends on your rental agreement and the specific case. A blanket statement like „No one notices that“ is not a good travel strategy. A transparent approach protects your rental agreement and ensures that you can leave with a good feeling.
Why permission doesn't have to be complicated
Many families immediately hear a clear no when they hear the word "landlord." Our experience is that the request seems much less unusual if it is formulated in a concrete and responsible way. A landlord primarily wants to know who lives in the apartment, how long the stay will last, and that the apartment is being treated carefully.
Do not vaguely say that „somebody might come to your apartment sometime“. Rather, explain that you are planning a non-commercial apartment exchange for a clearly defined period of time. Mention the approximate number of guests, emphasize that no parties, no renting to changing individuals, and no commercial use are planned. Offer to forward the contact information of the exchange guests in advance, if that is important to the landlord.
A friendly request might sound something like this: During your two-week summer vacation, you would like to exchange your apartment with a family for a unique experience. The number of guests corresponds to your household size; the apartment will not be shared, and you remain responsible for adhering to all house rules. It is best to explicitly ask for written consent. A short email often suffices and prevents misunderstandings later on.
What you should check before the first exchange
The rental agreement is your first point of contact. Does it contain any provisions regarding subletting, visits, commercial use, or the assignment to third parties? A general prohibition cannot automatically regulate every conceivable scenario, but it is a clear warning not to take the matter lightly.
Check the house rules as well. Are there quiet hours, rules for garbage, bicycle parking, pets, or parking? Your exchange guests must follow these same guidelines as you do. Especially in a multi-family building, it makes a big difference whether the neighbors know that a friendly host family is in the apartment for ten days, instead of suddenly seeing unknown people in the stairwell.
These four points help to prepare well:
- Obtain the landlord's written consent for the specific period.
- Clearly communicate house rules, key handover procedures and important contacts for guests.
- Check for liability insurance and talk openly with the guests about possible damages.
- Remove valuable, personal or sensitive items and clearly mark cabinets that remain private.
That might sound formal, but in practice it is quickly done. Especially with children, this preparation creates a lot of peace and quiet. Nobody wants to have to explain to them after the beach holiday which key goes to the basement or where the fuse box is.
Home exchange is not an anonymous short-term rental
This difference is important. In a good apartment exchange, the goal isn’t to get out of the apartment as many nights as possible. It’s about mutual trust. You’re passing on a home and in return you get access to another home.
That is why we feel at home in a Exchange community like HomeExchange More comfortable than on a purely booking-oriented platform. Profiles, reviews, and personal messages make a big difference. Before making a commitment, we talk with the other family about arrival, sleeping accommodations, the child’s age, and the apartment’s small quirks. Is the high bed suitable for a toddler? Can the cat be fed? Is there an elevator for the stroller? These questions are not just a side issue; they are part of a successful exchange.
For landlords, this personal level can also be reassuring. You are not handing over the apartment to an anonymous booking; you are handing it over to people you have met beforehand and whose stay you are responsible for. Nevertheless, sympathy, of course, does not replace the necessary consent.
This is how you find exchange partners that suit you
The best exchanges don’t start with the goal of accommodating every night of vacation. They start with an honest profile. Describe your apartment as you would find it yourself: friendly, realistic, and without any high-gloss promises. An old building on the third floor without a lift is perfect for some families and unsuitable for others. Both should be clearly stated.
It also shows how you live. Is there a playground right outside the door, good public transport links to the city center, or beautiful hiking trails nearby? Are there toys available? Is the kitchen family-friendly? Can someone work from home? These details make your apartment interesting for suitable guests – and increase the chance that you will find a home that suits your needs.
When contacting them for the first time, it’s worth sending a personal message. Tell them why this particular home appeals to you and mention your travel dates. If you’re flexible, be sure to include that information. Families often have a great deal in common because they have similar needs: a functional kitchen, enough beds, a quiet night’s sleep, and space to settle in.
When you would rather wait
There are situations where swapping apartments is not the best idea right now. If your landlord clearly refuses, you should respect that. Even in a tense tenancy situation, an unclear subletting clause, or an apartment that you cannot reliably prepare for for any other reason, waiting is wiser.
The same applies if you don’t feel comfortable with the potential exchange partners. You shouldn’t accept an exchange just because the destination is attractive. Good communication, understandable profiles, and a clear sense of intuition are more valuable than a cheap flight. The big Advantages of moving into a new apartment It’s not just the savings on accommodation budget; it’s also based on trust.
Travel with good conscience
Renters can swap their apartment – with permission, proper preparation, and guests who really suit them. The organizational overhead is manageable, especially compared to the costs that families often pay for vacation rentals these days. And it pays off: Instead of arranging every vacation around hotel rooms, you can choose places where you actually feel at home.
Maybe you don’t start right away with a three-week summer vacation at the other end of Europe. A long weekend in a city you’ve wanted to visit for a long time is a wonderful first test. When the apartment is ready, the landlord has given their consent, and the messages with the exchange family go back and forth smoothly, you quickly realize that this is not an unusual exception – but a form of travel that fits the family’s everyday life surprisingly well.
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On my travel blog Wandernotizen I'll take you along on our family trips around the globe. Between wanderlust and everyday chaos, you'll find honest travel reports, tips, and plenty of material to ignite your wanderlust. 🧭 ❤️ 🏝️