Apartment handover protocol: what you need to know
Are you moving? The apartment handover protocol is a central part of moving in Switzerland. Comparis explains what to watch out for.
29.03.2023
iStock/FG Trade Latin
1. What is a handover protocol for an apartment?
When tenants move in or out of an apartment, the landlord draws up an apartment handover protocol. In this document, the previous and new tenants as well as the landlord record the condition of the apartment. The protocol is not mandatory, but is now standard practice.
The purpose of the document: all parties involved agree on any damage that exists in the rented property and its repair.
The landlord usually brings the handover protocol with them on the handover date. Would you like to sublet your apartment? You need to obtain the template yourself. You can download a sample protocol from the tenants’ association here (in German): handover protocol template.
2. What should the apartment handover protocol contain?
A handover protocol typically consists of the following:
The list of defects
Agreements on the rectification of defects and assumption of costs
The list of defects contains everything that is not in order in the apartment. This includes damage or missing items. The description of the defects should be as precise as possible.
At the end of the protocol, you can document who pays for what damage. You can also agree on when the landlord should repair the damage to the apartment.
3. When is the handover protocol drawn up?
You fill out the handover protocol together with the landlord at the time of the apartment handover. Schedule the appointment directly with the landlord.
Are you handing over the apartment? Then it makes sense to arrange the appointment with a cleaning company. This allows the cleaning company to clean immediately in the event of complaints.
4. What should I watch out for when handing over the apartment?
What you should pay attention to as the current tenant
With your signature, you confirm that you will pay for the repair of any tenant damage. You are liable for damage during your rental period that is considered excessive wear and tear or minor maintenance. Add “does not count as acknowledgement of guilt” (in German: gilt nicht als Schuldanerkennung) to the signature. This way, you object to a willingness to cover costs.
Good to know:
Regular wear and tear is included in the rental price. If you disagree as to whether wear is normal or excessive, you can note your reservations on the protocol.
The current value of the parquet floor or washbasin counts, not the original value. You can determine the time value with a service lifetable.
Damage due to above-average wear and tear is a classic case for home contents and personal liability insurance. But be aware that more and more insurance companies are restricting cover for damage caused by tenants in their terms and conditions. This is true of smokers and people with pets, for example.
What you should pay attention to as the new tenant
The new tenant signs the document to confirm that the property is in good condition at the time of handover with the exception of the damage stated in the handover protocol.
Has the previous tenant drawn up a handover protocol together with the landlord? Then you have the right to inspect the protocol upon request (Article 256a (1) of the Swiss Code of Obligations).
Did you overlook any defects during the handover? You can report defects later. Subsequent damage reports are possible within 10 to 30 days. The rental agreement specifies the exact deadlines.
