Handing over my apartment in Switzerland: what to look out for
When and how do you have to hand over your apartment? How well does the apartment need to be cleaned? And what happens if the landlord finds damage? Comparis answers the most important questions on the subject of handing over apartments.
28.03.2023
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1. What is the procedure for handing over an apartment in Switzerland?
When handing over the apartment, you and your landlord check the condition of the apartment. You usually create a handover protocol together. It documents all existing defects and damage. At the end, you hand over the key to the administration. The handover of the apartment is only complete once you give all your keys back.
Is the apartment being handed over to a new tenant?
You hand over the apartment to your landlord. You do not have to hand over the apartment directly to the new tenant. But: sometimes the administration also invites the new tenants to take over the apartment at the same time.
2. Time of handing over the apartment: when do I have to hand over the apartment?
You usually have to hand over the apartment on the last day of the rental period. The appointment takes place during normal business hours. Is the date on a Sunday or holiday? Then the handover of the apartment will take place on the next working day (according to Art. 78 para. 1 of the Swiss Code of Obligations).
Depending on the place of residence, the handover date may only take place on the day after the end of the rental period. Local arbitration authorities will provide you with information on typical dates for the local area.
Is there a different handover date in your rental agreement? Then this date applies instead of the statutory dates for the handover of the apartment.
3. Condition of the apartment during handover: how should I hand over the apartment?
You must hand over the apartment in a cleaned condition. In addition, apart from normal signs of wear and tear, you must return the apartment unchanged from its original condition.
Exception: your landlord has agreed to structural changes to the apartment in writing (according to Art. 260a para. 1 of the Swiss Code of Obligations). If there is no such agreement, the landlord may demand the dismantling of any fixtures at your expense.
Examples of tenant fixtures in the rental apartment:
You have installed a built-in wardrobe in the rental apartment.
You have retrofitted old shutters electrically.
You have painted a white wall in colour.
4. Handing over my apartment: what should I look out for?
Apartment cleaning
Depending on the rental agreement, it may be sufficient to hand over the apartment swept clean. However, it is usually necessary to clean the apartment thoroughly. A professional cleaning company can provide you with the final cleaning . Would you prefer to clean the apartment yourself? Ask your administration for a list of what you should clean.
Handover protocol and tenant damage
Have the meter read and recorded during the apartment handover. Document all defects with the administration. To do this, draw up a handover protocol. If you don’t agree with the handover protocol, you don’t have to sign it. You can find more tips here: apartment handover protocol.
Good to know: tenants are only liable for damage caused by excessive wear and tear. Find out in advance what damages you are liable for. You can read more about this topic in our article on the normal wear and tear of a rental apartment .
This article was first published on 25.02.2019
