Community Code of Conduct

Version: 1.1 Effective Date: 1/2/2026 Last Updated: 9/2/2026

Introduction

At Swapli, trust is the foundation of everything we do. Together, we make it possible for one another to travel more, for longer, and to stay at a variety of destinations — while building a community rooted in mutual respect, generosity, and accountability.

This document sets out the standards and expectations we have for all community members. These values ensure that everyone feels safe, respected, and valued. When you live by these guidelines, you help make Swapli a trustworthy and thriving community.

Please read this document carefully. It's an integral part of our Terms of Service (see sections 10-11). Violations of our community guidelines may result in suspension or removal from Swapli.

Core Values of the Swapli Community

It's Personal

We're in this together. This isn't an anonymous marketplace. It's a platform for friends. We know that our actions affect one another, and if we hurt others, we hurt ourselves.

Be Respectful and Worthy of Respect

We treat one another with respect and always aim to be worthy of that same respect.

Over-Communicate

House sharing is new for many of us — it's natural to feel uncertain about what's allowed or what's acceptable. When questions come up, it's always best to simply reach out and ask. Honesty is always the best policy. Most problems only become problems when they're hidden.

Give to Others

Swapli is a community of friends. Every member is both a guest and a host. The members who get the most are those who give the most.

When You're Serving as a Guest

Staying in someone else's home is a new experience for many Swapli members. It's normal to feel uncertain about what's allowed and what's not okay. As long as you act with honesty and good intentions, you're almost certainly fine.

1. Treat the Host's Home Even Better Than Your Own

We recognize the trust our hosts place in us when they open their homes to us. We use furniture, household items, and appliances gently, clean up any messes we make, and take care not to stain or damage anything in the house.

2. Read the House Guide in Full and Follow the Instructions

We recommend that community members prepare a "house guide" for their guests.
As guests — read the house guide of the home you'll be staying in, ideally before arrival, and respect all documented house rules.
Do your best to honor the host's requests, including watering plants and anything else they ask of you.
Make sure that anyone you invite to the house also follows all the house rules.

3. Over-Communicate and Always Act Honestly

If Swapli or your host reaches out to you, do your best to respond in a reasonable timeframe.
Lean toward disclosure. If you notice something "off" in the house, whether it's your fault or not, report it immediately to your host (for example: a leak, an alarm starting to ring). Trust that your host will be grateful rather than blaming.
If you need to call a professional during your stay (for example: a plumber), do your best to be present or provide access.
Accidents happen. If you accidentally damage or stain something, be open, apologize, and don't blame. Share photos and notes, and don't hide or downplay any damage. Work collaboratively with the host to find an acceptable solution.

4. Treat Others with Respect

Be cooperative, respectful, and courteous to professionals, Swapli representatives, and your host.
If you meet neighbors during your stay, be kind and respectful.
Follow all building or homeowners' association rules and make sure not to bother neighbors. This includes, among other things, not disturbing them with loud noise or music at night, and not blocking parking or entryways.

5. Respect Your Hosts' Privacy

Don't open drawers, closets, or doors that were not prepared for our use.
Don't handle in any way personal items in closets, drawers, or storage.
Don't use the host's personal hygiene products (razors, shampoo, etc.) unless they've been explicitly made available for guest use.
Don't photograph personal items in the house or share home details with others.
Never publish, distribute, or share personal details about the home, address, or access codes with anyone.

6. Disclose and Ask Permission Before Bringing Guests or Hosting Events

Share the name and contact details for anyone who will spend the night at the host's home.
The host decides whether to approve overnight guests.
Never host parties or events with 10 or more people without the host's explicit approval.
You're responsible for the behavior of anyone you invite to the house, and for any damage they may cause.

When You're Serving as a Host

You probably know the saying — "giving is getting." Rather than let our homes sit empty, we Swapli members give trusted people in our community the chance to enjoy our home and create memories — while we get the opportunity to host elsewhere in return. Our guests also help protect our home simply by being there. An empty house is more prone to break-ins or issues that go undetected for too long. Our guests can also help care for plants and pets if they remain in the home. Of course, by prior arrangement.

1. Treat Community Members with Respect

You decide who you want to home exchange with, but don't discriminate against members based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or any other group.
When your guests or a Swapli representative need a response from you, do your best to reply in a reasonable timeframe.
Do your best to help your guests have an outstanding experience. Be kind, hospitable, and patient.

2. Put Thought Into Preparing Your Home

Leave your homes clean, free of hazards that could raise health or safety concerns.
Make sure and confirm that the home will be cleaned as agreed with your exchange partners.

3. Respect Guest Privacy During Their Stay

It is absolutely forbidden to use audio or video recording devices to monitor inside the home during a guest's stay. Before the trip, disable any device that monitors activity inside the home. Only exterior security cameras are permitted. If you don't trust someone — don't host them.
Don't return home without advance notice during a guest's stay unless it's necessary in an emergency.

4. Over-Communicate and Always Act Honestly

Disclose in advance any information that could make the stay uncomfortable for guests and set clear expectations (for example: broken air conditioning, construction work, pest issues).
Make sure photos and home details are current and provide an accurate representation. There's nothing to gain from misleading others.

Exchange Cancellation

Cancellation of an exchange is a matter between both parties. We recommend that already at the stage of finalizing the exchange, you agree on clear cancellation terms — how far in advance cancellation is allowed, what happens in an emergency, and what the consequences of a late cancellation are. The earlier you define this, the more you'll avoid misunderstandings and hurt feelings.

Remember that cancellation directly affects the other family — who has already invested time, money, and planning. Therefore, if the need to cancel arises, contact the other party as soon as possible, honestly and respectfully.

In addition, mark the exchange as cancelled on the platform and note the reason for cancellation — this helps us improve the service and maintain a trustworthy community.

Prohibited Content

In addition to the behavioral guidelines outlined above, the following content is strictly prohibited from being uploaded or shared on the platform (in accordance with Terms of Service section 10):

Illegal Content — Content that violates the laws of the Netherlands, the European Union, or the country where the property is located.
Hateful Content — Content that is racist, discriminatory, harassing, degrading, threatening, or abusive.
Misleading Content — False or misleading information about the property, identity, or intentions.
Hateful Symbols — Flags, symbols, or icons linked to terrorist organizations, racist movements, or hate groups.
Spam and Advertising — Promotional, marketing, or spam content unrelated to home exchange.
Sexual Content — Content of an explicitly sexual nature.
Others' Personal Information — Publishing personal details of a third party without consent.

Reporting Violations

If you encounter content or behavior that violates these community guidelines, please report it to us:

"Report" Button — Available on every profile, home, message, and photo on the platform.
Email: report@swapli.net

Every report will be reviewed by the Swapli team. We will act without undue delay, and a reasoned notice will be provided to both the reporter and the user whose content was reported, in accordance with the Digital Services Act (Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, Article 16).

Violations and Enforcement

Regular Violations

Violations of these community guidelines damage trust within the Swapli network, and can cause others distress, discomfort, and frustration, even if the violation isn't severe.

Examples:

A guest who didn't follow the house guide instructions and house rules as requested by the hosts.
A host who didn't prepare the home clean and pleasant as agreed.
A guest who had an accident in the home and didn't disclose it to the host.

Serious Violations

Serious violations are those that may:

Endanger Health or Safety — of Swapli members, service providers, neighbors, or personal property, whether intentional, negligent, or reckless.
Involve Illegal Activity — including theft of any kind, or events related to illegal drugs.
Involve Lying, Concealment, or Misrepresentation — of important information to the Swapli team or other members. This includes failing to disclose guests, hiding property damage, or misrepresenting identity.
Involve Aggressive, Threatening, Harassing, Degrading, or Discriminatory Behavior — toward any member, guest, or service provider, whether verbal, written, or physical.
Violate Privacy Rules — including audio or video monitoring, copying keys, or sharing home access information with others.

Enforcement Measures

Depending on the severity of the violation, Swapli may take one or more of the following actions:

Warning — An email notice describing the violation and requiring it to stop.
Content Removal — Removal or blocking of violating content.
Temporary Suspension — Suspension of platform access for a defined period.
Immediate Suspension — Immediate suspension pending investigation completion.
Permanent Removal — Account closure and membership revocation.

In accordance with the Digital Services Act, every enforcement decision will include a reasoned notice to the user, specifically: the nature of the violation, the sections violated, the decision made, and appeal rights.

Appeal Mechanism

A user whose account has been restricted or whose content has been removed may appeal the decision:

Through the Platform: "Appeal" button in the restriction notice.
Via Email: legal@swapli.net

The appeal will be reviewed by a human (not an automated system) and a reasoned response will be provided within 14 business days.

Governing Language

These community guidelines are available in Hebrew and English. In the event of any discrepancy, the Hebrew version shall prevail.

Link to Terms of Service

These community guidelines are an integral part of Swapli's Terms of Service. For full details on your rights and responsibilities, see: swapli.net/legal/terms-of-service

Contact Us

Topic	Address
Report content or behavior	report@swapli.net
Legal questions and appeals	legal@swapli.net
General support	support@swapli.net

Swapli by Webguy BV Rokin Business Center, Rokin 92, 1012 KZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands Registration Number: KVK (COC) 72381647