Peter Greenberg: Home Exchanges
By: Peter Greenberg | Source: AARP.org | 2008-08-14
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Q: I am considering participation in a home-exchange program using my second home to exchange. Have you heard of any pitfalls of such a program? Do you see this as a beneficial idea? What are the legal ramifications of participation? What if the people don't leave at the end of their time due to their choice? Or if someone became ill? Would the same legal-eviction procedures need to be followed?
-Linda, Trinity, Fla.
A: The idea behind home exchanges—HomeExchange.com says it simply: "You stay in my house while I stay in yours"—is quite interesting. And home exchanges can be a great way to secure cheap, or even free, lodging when you're away from home.
Believe it or not, most home exchangers say theft and vandalism are extremely rare. The far more common problems with home exchanges result from differences in expectations and/or between the properties exchanged. For example, if you don't make it clear that you don't allow smoking inside your home, you could come back to a stinky abode. The key here is to be very clear about what is and what isn't allowed in your home. Provide as much detail as possible.
With Home Exchange programs, you aren't legally giving over your property. Legally, a home exchanger is treated basically like a guest. As far as legal evictions, no, those won't be necessary. Calling the cops and saying that a stranger won't leave your home should be sufficient.
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