The complete home swap checklist for UK swappers

Almost every horror story we hear about swaps gone wrong starts with the same sentence: "I wish I'd checked that before I signed." Damp hidden behind freshly painted walls. A boiler about to give up. Difficult neighbours. A landlord with a quiet history of dragging their feet on repairs.

The good news is that you can avoid almost all of it with one good viewing and a bit of paperwork. This is our complete pre-swap checklist, built from the real near-misses other swappers have shared with us. Read it before you arrange a viewing, take it with you on the day, and don't sign anything until every line is ticked.

Before the viewing

1. 1Confirm the tenancy type in writing (secure, assured, or flexible).
2. 2Check rent arrears, both yours and theirs. Even small arrears can block a swap.
3. 3Look up the area on the local authority website and read up on the neighbourhood.
4. 4Search recent planning applications for the street, so there are no surprises nearby.
5. 5Read the tenancy agreement you'd be taking on. Check for any unusual clauses.

On the viewing: the home itself

1. 1Damp and mould. Look behind furniture, check the air for a musty smell, and inspect ceiling corners and under windows.
2. 2Windows. Open every one. Check the seals, the locks, and for condensation trapped between panes.
3. 3Boiler. Turn the heating on and listen to it. Ask how old it is and when it was last serviced. Over 12 years old is worth flagging.
4. 4Electrics. Test the light switches and take a look at the fuse box. A modern white plastic consumer unit is a good sign.
5. 5Water pressure. Run the hot taps in the kitchen and bathroom at the same time.
6. 6Drains. Flush the toilets and run the sinks. Listen for slow draining or gurgling.
7. 7Roof and guttering. Look up from the street. Any missing tiles or sagging gutters?
8. 8External doors. Check the locks, draughts, and general condition.

On the viewing: the surroundings

1. 1Visit twice if you can, once during the day and once in the evening. Areas can feel very different.
2. 2Walk to the local school, GP, shops, and transport, and time how long it takes.
3. 3Talk to a neighbour if you can. A simple "I'm thinking of swapping in, what's the area like?" tells you a lot.
4. 4Check the parking. Is it permit only, free, or a free-for-all? This really matters if you have a car.

Paperwork before signing

1. 1Get the landlord's decision in writing, not just verbally.
2. 2Confirm the inspection results. If repairs are needed, agree who's doing them and when.
3. 3Confirm the swap day. Make sure both landlords are aware and the tenancy start dates line up.
4. 4Take final meter readings. Photograph the gas, electric, and water meters on moving day.
5. 5Sort the council tax handover. Notify the council on swap day, and don't leave it for later.
6. 6Set up a Royal Mail redirect to your new address for at least six months.
7. 7Sort your insurance. Cancel your old contents cover and start the new one on swap day, so there's no gap.
8. 8Update everyone. DVLA, GP, dentist, banks, employer, and the electoral roll.