What information should I include in my house book?

Before your first exchange, you should prepare a House Book. This should provide all the information that your exchange partners need to enable them to enjoy their stay in your home. Each time you do an exchange just check that all information is current and up-to-date.

HOUSE

Security

Door and window locks

Alarm information

Garage and bicycle locks

Rubbish Bins

Collection days

Recycling information

Location of:

Water stop cock

Fuse Board

Water / gas / electricity meters

Heating and hot water

Information about timing and temperature

Rooms

Office

What can / cannot be used eg computers, printers

WiFi passwords

Utility room

Washing machine, tumble drier and freezer instructions

Linen

Leave beds made up and say where spare bedding and towels are kept

Cleaning equipment

Where it is and what they can use

Kitchen

Special care instructions eg for work surfaces and wood floors

Neighbours

Contact details of a neighbour to call on if required

Home Phone

Leave your landline number if you’re happy for them to receive calls and perhaps make local calls

Garden and Pets

Details of any small jobs such as watering plants or feeding pets - BUT THESE MUST BE AGREED IN ADVANCE

APPLIANCES

TV – information on how to use the remote controls for TV / DVD / Satellite

Dishwasher

Medical Emergencies

For non-emergency medical advice you can contact NHS 111 – a free telephone advisory service run by the Government. Telephone 111.
If you need to see a non-emergency doctor contact:
Accident & Emergency location
Ambulance / Fire / Police to get immediate emergency help call 999.

At the end of your stay

Agree what you’ll each do at the end of the stay with bedding and towels. Perhaps ask them to strip beds if they have time but not to worry about washing and re-making beds especially if they leave early.

Keys: What do you want them to do with keys at the end of the stay?

eg Please lock all the doors and windows and leave the keys in the kitchen. Post the house key through the letterbox when you leave - we will have a spare set with us.