Rent a place: Good to know
Paying your rent and deposit
The first rent needs to be transferred before the keys are handed over to you. After that, you should ideally set up a standing order with your bank and payments should go out at the end of every month, paying for the following month. Alternatively, the agency can collect your rent from your bank account automatically. Please note that the deposit, too, must be transferred to the landlord before the property is being handed over.
Inspection protocol
When the keys to the property are handed over to you, an inspection report is compiled listing the condition of the property and any defects. Additional defects/damages discovered by the new tenants (you) have to be reported within 10 days after the handover, otherwise you run the risk of being held liable for these when you move out. The number of keys handed to you and their identification numbers will also be written down on this protocol. Please note that if you lose any of these keys, their replacement can cost between CHF 250 and CHF 1,200. As keys can easily get lost, we recommend you have this covered in your liability insurance. Duplicates can only be made with the permission of your landlord. And only the landlord is entitled to change the keys and replace any locks affected - at the tenants’ expense.
Pets
Pets such as cats and dogs are not tolerated in all properties. You will need to enquire about this with your landlord prior to setting up the rental contract or certainly before you are planning to get a pet.
The property has to be used for the purpose stated in the rental contract. All changes, for example additional tenants moving in, requires a written approval of the landlord. Changes in marital status also have to be declared within 30 days.
Maintenance
The landlord is obliged to maintain the rental property in a suitable condition and to carry out any repairs, except small repairs which are the tenant’s responsibility, as laid down in the contract. The tenant must report necessary damages/repair to the landlord in writing. Failure to do so renders the tenant responsible for any subsequent damage. In the event of an emergency, the tenant is obliged to inform the caretaker or landlord (or his substitute) immediately. In their absence, the tenant is obliged to undertake any repairs necessary or arrange for these to be undertaken by a professional. Failure to do so will render the tenant responsible for any resulting damage. The tenant is obliged to allow necessary maintenance work on the property at any time. Failure to give access to tradesmen may result in the tenant being held liable for any arising damages. The tenant’s responsibilities include small repairs of up to approx. CHF 200 which are necessary for the general maintenance of the property (e.g. broken shower hose, light bulb etc.). These minor repairs must be carried out by a professional.
Changes to property
Any improvements or changes planned for the property (e.g. installing a cat flap) require the written approval of the landlord. Upon moving out, the tenant is required to either restore the original state of the property or making sure the next tenant will take over the changes made. This also applies to holes in the walls from pictures. They have to be filled upon exiting the apartment - otherwise the landlord will deduct the costs for a painter from the rental deposit. The use of the tenant’s own appliances connected to the water supply in the apartment (washing machine, tumbler, dishwasher etc) is only permitted with the written agreement of the landlord. The installation must be carried out by a qualified, registered technician.
Garden maintenance
If the tenants are responsible for the maintenance and cleaning of the surroundings, these duties will be specified in special garden regulations, or they are mentioned in the lease contract. During the rental period, the tenant is expected to look after the garden and will need to return it in its original state when they leave the property. Also, please note that you are not allowed to mow the lawn on a Sunday.
Terminations
The rental contract can be terminated in consideration of the period of notice, by registered mail signed by all tenants. Such termination must be received by the relevant party on the final day before the beginning of the notice period at the very latest (either at their home address or at the local post office). We strongly recommend sending your letter of notice earlier and “signed for” so you can prove it has been received in due time. If the tenant wishes to terminate the rental contract before the agreed date and without adhering to the notice period, he/she must propose a reasonable, solvent successor tenant to the landlord, who is willing to take over the rental contract under the same terms and conditions. The original tenant remains liable for the rent until the contract can be legally ended.