Swappie Member Code of Conduct

Welcome to the Swappie Community

At Swappie, trust is the foundation of everything we do. Together, we make it possible to travel more, stay longer, and experience new places—while building a respectful, safe, and thoughtful community.

This document explains the standards and expectations that apply to all Swappie Members. These values help ensure that everyone feels safe, respected, and supported. By following these guidelines, you help Swappie remain a trusted and thriving network.

Please read this carefully. Violations of this Code of Conduct may lead to warnings, temporary suspension, or removal from Swappie.

Swappie is operated by Majerszki Nikolett E.V. (Hungary). In this document, “Swappie,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Majerszki Nikolett E.V. as the operator of the Swappie platform.

1) Core Membership Values

1.1 We’re Human First (Together, We Thrive)

Swappie is a community built on mutual trust. Your actions affect real people directly—so treat fellow Members with care, empathy, and common sense.

1.2 Respect and Be Worthy of Respect

We follow a simple principle: behave in a way that earns trust. If you’re unsure whether something is appropriate, use the “Best Friend’s Grandmother” test (see below).

1.3 Over-Communicate

Home swapping can be new and unfamiliar. When in doubt, ask. Open, honest, and timely communication prevents misunderstandings and creates great experiences for everyone.

1.4 Give to Get

Swappie works on a give-to-get model. The more you contribute—by hosting responsibly and acting respectfully—the more you’ll gain from the community.

2) Community Guidelines (Platform + Community Spaces)

Being part of Swappie means respecting privacy, fostering safety, and acting with integrity in every interaction. These rules apply:

  • on the Swappie platform (website/app, chats, bookings, etc.); and
  • in any Swappie-related community spaces (for example: group chats, community forums, social groups, or messaging channels).

2.1 General Expectations

Respect Member Privacy. Do not contact other Members via personal channels (social media, private phone, personal email, etc.) unless there is mutual consent established through the Swappie platform or the contact is facilitated via an approved community channel.

No Off-Platform Solicitation. Do not request stays, coordinate stays, or arrange payments outside Swappie. Keep the entire swap/booking flow inside the platform to protect transparency and safety.

Uphold Mutual Respect. Be kind, professional, honest, and constructive in all interactions.

Community Spaces. Use community spaces responsibly—no harassment, bullying, stalking, intimidation, or inappropriate content.

2.2 Do’s and Don’ts for Community Spaces

Do

  • Keep communication positive, constructive, and on-topic.
  • Respect boundaries if Members don’t respond.
  • Be mindful that community spaces may not be monitored in real time.

Don’t

  • Share other people’s personal data.
  • Promote a business or personal project unless the channel is explicitly intended for that.
  • Use community spaces to coordinate stays outside the Swappie platform.

2.3 For Urgent, Time-Sensitive Help

If you need urgent help during an active trip or hosting situation, use Swappie’s in-platform support tools. Community spaces are not designed for real-time incident support.

3) When Acting as a Guest

Being a guest in someone’s home is a privilege. Guests must treat the Host’s home with care, respect, and thoughtfulness.

The Best Friend’s Grandmother Test

Treat your host’s home the way you would treat your best friend’s grandmother’s home: carefully, respectfully, and with extra consideration.

3.1 Respect the Home

  • Use furniture, appliances, and household items gently.
  • Read the home guide and follow house rules.
  • Clean up after yourself and avoid leaving messes.
  • Leave a thank-you note (a small gift is optional but appreciated).

3.2 Communicate Honestly and Respectfully

  • Report damage, accidents, or “something feels off” issues promptly.
  • Respond reasonably promptly to requests from your Host and Swappie.
  • Maintain respectful communication with Hosts, other Members, service providers (e.g., cleaners), and Swappie support.

3.3 Respect Check-In and Check-Out Times

  • Request adjustments in advance whenever possible.
  • Complete any pre-departure tasks.
  • Leave the home in good condition.
  • Fully vacate by the agreed check-out time.
  • Do not prevent scheduled cleaning access unless explicitly authorized through Swappie.

3.4 Respect Privacy

  • Do not open drawers, closets, or cabinets unless the Host has indicated they are available for guest use.
  • Do not use personal items unless clearly made available for guest use.
  • Do not photograph personal items.
  • Do not share photos that expose the Host’s identity or address (including street names, exterior shots that identify the property, lockbox codes, etc.).
  • Never distribute or share home guides, addresses, or access codes with anyone other than approved trip companions.

3.5 Follow House Rules: Guests, Pets, and Gatherings

Ask permission before bringing overnight guests, visitors, pets/animals (even for short visits), or holding gatherings. You are responsible for the conduct of anyone you bring into the home.

Gatherings with 10 or more people require explicit Host approval in advance (at least 24 hours prior). Your guest count must be accurate and approved by the Host.

3.6 Booking on Behalf of Others

You must not book a Swappie home on behalf of friends if you will not be present. You may request exceptions for immediate family (e.g., spouse/partner/parent/sibling/adult child) only if disclosed clearly in advance, and approved by Swappie and the Host.

4) When Acting as a Host

Hosting is generous—you're opening your personal space to trusted Members. These guidelines help ensure hosting stays smooth, respectful, and safe.

4.1 Treat Members with Respect (Non-Discrimination)

Hosts decide who stays, but must not discriminate based on protected characteristics (including, for example, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected class under applicable law).

4.2 Be Respectful and Responsive

  • Acknowledge hosting requests within 48 hours.
  • If plans change, update availability promptly and communicate clearly.
  • If you expect limited availability during a Guest’s stay, communicate that in advance through the trip chat.

4.3 Prepare Your Home

  • Ensure your home is reasonably decluttered and safe.
  • Provide basic guest essentials as promised in your listing and home guide (e.g., hand soap, toilet paper, basic linens/towels as applicable to your setup).
  • Ensure your home is ready for the Guest’s arrival and any planned cleaning or handover steps.

4.4 Respect Guest Privacy (Cameras and Monitoring)

  • Indoor cameras and indoor monitoring during a Guest’s stay are prohibited.
  • Disconnect or disable devices that record audio/video indoors during the stay.
  • Exterior security cameras may be allowed only if disclosed clearly in the listing/home guide and compliant with law.

4.5 Do Not Return to the Home During the Stay

Do not return unannounced during the Guest’s stay unless truly necessary due to an emergency. If possible, coordinate through the platform first.

4.6 Communicate Honestly and Set Accurate Expectations

  • Represent your home honestly in photos and descriptions.
  • Disclose known issues that may affect the stay (e.g., maintenance work, construction noise, known pests, temporary amenity closures).
  • Keep your home’s availability accurate.

4.7 If Something Goes Wrong

If something is misplaced, damaged, used improperly, or you believe this Code of Conduct was violated, contact Swappie promptly through the platform support tools. (See Swappie’s Damage Policy for how to report and document issues.)

5) Code of Conduct Violations

Violations harm trust and may cause distress, inconvenience, or safety risks—even if no major damage occurs. Examples of violations include (not exhaustive):

  • A Guest ignoring house rules or home guide instructions.
  • A Host failing to prepare the home reasonably as described.
  • Misrepresenting home details, location context, or amenities.
  • A Guest having an accident and not disclosing it.
  • A Member being repeatedly non-communicative when important information is required.
  • Mismanaging keys/access codes, leaving doors unlocked, or mishandling entry instructions.
  • Late check-out that disrupts cleaners or the next Guest.

6) What Happens After an Alleged Violation?

6.1 Issue Reports and Investigation

When Swappie receives a report suggesting a violation, Swappie may log the issue as an internal “Issue Report” and review it confidentially. Swappie may request information, photos, or documentation and review platform history.

6.2 Temporary Account Restrictions During Review

During an investigation, Swappie may temporarily restrict certain actions (for example, pausing the ability to book or host new stays) until there is enough information to assess what occurred.

6.3 Outcomes

Honest mistakes happen and usually result in feedback and education. However, repeated “honest mistakes” that form a pattern may lead to suspension or removal. A single serious incident may also lead to removal.

7) Repeated Issue Reports

If multiple Issue Reports are filed regarding a single Member, Swappie may conduct a broader review. If Swappie concludes there is a pattern of behavior that undermines safety, trust, or community integrity, Swappie may suspend the account for a defined period, or terminate membership.

8) Major Code of Conduct Violations

“Major” violations are severe breaches of trust. These may include conduct that:

  • Endangers health, safety, or security of Members, neighbors, vendors, or property.
  • Involves unlawful activity, including theft, violence, or illegal drugs.
  • Involves deception or withholding key facts during booking/hosting or during an investigation.
  • Involves aggressive, threatening, harassing, discriminatory, or abusive behavior.
  • Involves serious privacy breaches (indoor surveillance, sharing access codes, unauthorized key copying).

Immediate Consequences

Major violations may result in immediate membership pause. If verified, Swappie may terminate membership immediately and cancel upcoming bookings, subject to applicable law.

9) Leaving the Community / Removal from Community Spaces

If a Member leaves Swappie, or their membership is suspended/terminated, Swappie may remove them from Swappie-managed community spaces to protect the community.

10) Questions

If you have questions about this Code of Conduct, please contact Swappie through the support or concierge tools available within the Swappie platform.