Home Exchange Agreement Template
đź“„ Why a written agreement?
Trust does not exclude clarity. A successful exchange often comes down to practical details (key handover times, utility management, etc.). Putting the rules in writing from the start eliminates 90% of the stress on moving day.
The template below helps clarify:
- Switch dates (exchange day, key handover)
- Cleanliness (both properties are delivered clean)
- Utilities and meters (readings on D-Day for final settlement)
- Furniture (what stays, swapped furniture)
*Why move your 2 sofas when they could stay put? Think about it!
Before the exchange (the most critical part)
The new leases must be signed with your respective landlords at least 15 days before the exchange date.
Insert a suspensive condition in each lease: the lease is only valid if the other one is also signed. This way, no one gets stuck.
Anticipate a rent increase!
Landlords often take advantage of tenant turnovers to increase the rent. Plan a margin and agree together on an acceptable increase cap.
Your best leverage: if a landlord demands an abusive increase and the exchange is canceled, they are left with their old tenant and their old rent. Negotiate together, it's your shared strength.
This template is not an official legal document. Adapt it to your situation.
đź“ť HOME EXCHANGE AGREEMENT TEMPLATE (permanent exchange)
Between:
Party A: [Full name, email, phone]
Party B: [Full name, email, phone]
1. Date of the exchange
The permanent exchange of the two properties will take place on [date] at [time].
2. Properties concerned
Property A: [full address]
Property B: [full address]
3. Before the exchange (sine qua non condition)
The new leases must be signed by both parties at least [X] days before the exchange date.
Each lease includes a suspensive clause: the lease is only valid if the other exchange also takes place.
If one of the leases is not signed in time, the exchange is canceled without charge.
4. Rent and negotiation (anticipating increases)
Jointly accepted increase cap: [max %].
If a landlord demands an abusive increase (not complying with rent controls), the exchange may be canceled without penalty.
5. Furniture and equipment
The properties are exchanged [furnished / partially furnished / unfurnished].
List of exchanged furniture (what stays): [e.g., sofa, bed, wardrobe, table, fridge, etc.]
If the list is long, it is attached as an appendix signed by both parties.
Each party leaves with their personal furniture not listed above.
6. Utilities and meters
Each party takes over the contracts (water, electricity, gas, internet) from the exchange date.
A meter reading is done on D-Day, signed by both parties, for the final settlement with the former landlords.
7. Inventory and cleanliness
A joint inventory is carried out on D-Day for both apartments:
- Cleanliness: each property is delivered clean (floors, kitchen, bathroom, toilets, glass surfaces)
- Furniture: verification of the listed furniture (point 5)
- Equipment: condition of appliances and equipment
- Meters: reading (point 6)
8. D-Day Organization (Logistics)
Since both parties cannot be in two places at the same time, the chosen organization is as follows (cross out the unnecessary option):
Option A (Short distance): The cross-inspection
- Joint meeting at [time] at Property A. Inventory, readings, and key handover of property A to Party B.
- Joint trip to Property B. Inventory, readings, and key handover of property B to Party A.
Option B (Long distance): Third-party intervention
- Property A: Party A is represented by [Name and number of trusted third party] who will hand over the keys to Party B at [time].
- Property B: Party B is represented by [Name and number of trusted third party] who will hand over the keys to Party A at [time].
9. Cancellation
In case of cancellation after the leases are signed (excluding force majeure), the canceling party reimburses the other for the irreversible costs incurred (moving, reservations, etc.).
Done on [date].
Signature A: ________________
Signature B: ________________