Procedures
Housing in Switzerland: every step
Terminating the lease, rent, inspection report, subletting, repairs or a new lease: here is what to do in Switzerland, with the deadlines and the official links.
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The complete checklist
26 steps, grouped by topic. Some only apply in certain situations.
Giving notice on a lease
Notice letter for the lease
ImportantDepends on your situationWrite your notice letter, respecting the legal cantonal deadlines
Deadline: 3 months before (official cantonal dates)
Cantonal notice dates
ImportantDepends on your situationCheck the official notice dates in your canton
Move-out inspection
ImportantDepends on your situationPrepare the move-out inspection with the landlord
Deadline: The day you hand over the keys
Handing over the keys
ImportantDepends on your situationArrange the handover of the keys and get a receipt
Getting your rent deposit back
ImportantDepends on your situationAsk for your rent deposit to be released after you move out
Deadline: After the move-out inspection
Cancel your home-related insurance
Depends on your situationCancel or transfer your home-related insurance policies
Challenging the rent
Rent challenge form
ImportantDepends on your situationChallenge the amount of the initial rent within 30 days of receiving the keys
Deadline: 30 days after the start of the lease
Calculate the permitted rent
ImportantDepends on your situationCalculate the permitted rent based on the reference mortgage rate
Request for conciliation
ImportantDepends on your situationContact your canton’s conciliation authority for tenancy matters
Deadline: Before court proceedings
Supporting documents
Depends on your situationGather the supporting documents for your rent challenge
Inspection report
Inspection checklist
ImportantDepends on your situationUse our checklist for a complete, room-by-room inspection
Defects report form
ImportantDepends on your situationReport any defects you find within 10–14 days of moving in
Deadline: 10–14 days after moving in
Signing the inspection report
ImportantDepends on your situationSign the inspection report with the landlord
Photos and records
Depends on your situationPhotograph every room and record the condition of the home
Subletting
Request to sublet
ImportantDepends on your situationGet the landlord’s written consent before subletting
Deadline: Before the sublet starts
Sublease contract
ImportantDepends on your situationDraw up a sublease contract that complies with Swiss law
Check the sublet rent
Depends on your situationCheck that the sublet rent is not higher than the main rent
Repairs
Request for repairs
ImportantDepends on your situationReport the defects and ask the landlord for the necessary repairs
Formal notice
ImportantDepends on your situationIf there is no reply, send a formal notice with a deadline
Deadline: Reasonable deadline (14–30 days)
Recording the defects
Depends on your situationRecord the defects with photos, videos and detailed descriptions
Paying rent into a blocked account
Depends on your situationIf a serious defect is not repaired, you can pay your rent into a blocked account (consignation)
Deadline: After an unsuccessful formal notice
New lease
Check the lease
ImportantDepends on your situationHave your lease checked before you sign it
Rent deposit
ImportantDepends on your situationProvide the rent deposit (max. 3 months’ rent)
Deadline: Before you move in
Household and personal liability insurance
ImportantDepends on your situationTake out personal liability and household contents insurance
Deadline: Before you move in
Move-in inspection
ImportantDepends on your situationCarry out the move-in inspection with the landlord
Deadline: The day you move in
Check the initial rent
Depends on your situationCheck that the initial rent is in line with the reference mortgage rate
Your list, tailored to your situation
Answer a few questions: we keep the steps that apply to you, with your deadlines and reminders.
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Useful letter templates
Practical guides
- How to terminate a lease in SwitzerlandStep-by-step guide to terminating a lease in every Swiss canton, with the legal deadlines and the forms you need.
- How to request a rent reduction after the reference interest rate fallsHas the reference interest rate fallen? Work out the possible rent reduction, write your request (art. 270a CO) and know what to do if it is refused.
- How to get your rent deposit back in SwitzerlandEnd of lease: how to get your rent deposit released (art. 257e CO), which deadlines apply and what to do if the landlord refuses.
General information on Swiss law, not legal advice. Rules may vary depending on the canton and the municipality.