Pets in rented apartments: What’s allowed and what isn’t
Over 1.5 million cats and around 515,000 dogs live in Switzerland. Only one in five rental apartments is advertised as pet-friendly. Comparis explains what landlords are allowed to prohibit and how you can find a flat with a pet.
22.09.2026
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1. Can landlords prohibit pets?
For dogs, cats and other larger animals: Yes.
Swiss tenancy law contains not a single article on pets in rented apartments. What applies is set out in the rental agreement. A prohibition there is valid. If the contract requires the landlord’s consent, they may refuse it without giving reasons.
For small animals such as hamsters, guinea pigs, budgies, canaries and ornamental fish: No.
You are allowed to keep these, whatever the contract says. However, the animals must live in a cage, terrarium or aquarium.
Animals with a particular potential to cause disturbance or danger, such as snakes, spiders and parrots: always only after consultation.
For individual species, an additional licence from the cantonal veterinary office.
2. Ban, subject to consent or nothing: the three provisions in the tenancy agreement
Whether pets are allowed in your rented apartment is determined by the tenancy agreement, together with the house rules.
| The contract states | What this means for you |
|---|---|
| «Pets not permitted» | Dogs and cats are not allowed. Small animals in cages or aquariums are still allowed. |
| «Pets only permitted with the landlord’s written consent» | The usual case in Switzerland. You have to ask. The landlord may refuse without giving reasons. |
| Nothing | Dogs and cats are allowed, as long as there are no justified complaints. Exotic animals only by arrangement. |
The Swiss Association of the Real Estate Industry (SVIT) notes that, since the housing shortage, landlords have been applying the requirement for consent more strictly. Where many people are applying for an apartment, an application without a pet often takes priority.
Comparis tip: Many landlords only refuse pets because there are no rules. If the landlord is hesitant, suggest the contract addendum «Agreement on keeping pets» to them. It was drawn up by the Institute for Interdisciplinary Research on Human–Animal Relationships (IEMT) and is recognised by the Tenants’ Association of German-speaking Switzerland.
3. Only one in five flats allows pets: how to find one
If you want to rent a flat with a dog or cat, you have a limited selection: On some property portals in Switzerland, in 2026, around 21% of rental flats will have the feature «Pets allowed». In 2022, this figure was just under 30%. In western Switzerland, the selection is the smallest: in the canton of Vaud, it is 9%, in Geneva 10. This is shown by figures from Swiss Marketplace Group, which Nau.ch published in July 2026.
How to increase your chances:
A listing without the «Pets allowed» feature does not mean it is prohibited. Many landlords leave the field empty. Ask about it, before you paint an apartment.
Photo, breed, age, indoor or outdoor cat, proof of liability insurance. Most importantly: a reference from the previous landlord, stating that there were no complaints about the pet.
Landlords rarely have objections to cats that do not leave the apartment rarely have any objections. Please note: Cat ladders and cat flaps are structural alterations and require separate permission.
There, dogs and cats disturb the neighbourhood the least, and landlords know this.
Anyone who fails to mention their dog and then brings it with them after moving in runs the risk of having their tenancy terminated. Mention it openly. Some landlords are willing to give approval subject to conditions.
4. Barking, scratches, odours: who pays and when does termination become a threat
As a tenant, you must be considerate of the other residents of the building show consideration (Art. 257f CO). A dog that barks for hours, cat urine in the stairwell or odours coming from the flat breach this obligation.
The procedure is set by law: The landlord will first send you a reminder in writing. If the disturbance continues, they may terminate the tenancy with 30 days to the end of a month terminate the contract. In the event of a dispute with neighbours the conciliation authority is responsible.
You will be liable for any damage that goes beyond normal wear and tear : scratches on the parquet flooring, urine stains on the carpet, gnawed door frames. The personal liability insurance usually covers such tenant damage as a rule. However, it does not pay out not, if your pet destroys the apartment because it is not kept in a manner appropriate for the species .
The following also applies to dogs: In many cantons, liability insurance for dogs is mandatory, sometimes with a prescribed sum insured.
Good to know: When moving in, record all previous damage in the handover report. Without a report, damage caused by pets will quickly be attributed to you.
Personal liability insurance generally covers damage caused by tenants’ animals. Premiums vary significantly from one insurer to another.
5. New pet after moving in? Here’s what to do
Do not get the pet before you have received a response. Anyone who keeps a dog or a cat without the consent required by the contract can receive a warning and have the tenancy terminated be given.
Here’s what to do:
Check the contract: If nothing in it, you are allowed to keep the pet. If there is a prohibition in it, the only solution is an amendment to the contract. If there is a requirement of consent in it, then it’s on to step 2.
Submit your enquiry in writing: Please state type of animal, number, age and how it is kept. For example: «an indoor cat, three years old, neutered». Include the proof of your liability insurance enclosed.
Include the IEMT annex as well: It shows the landlord that you are aware of your obligations.
Obtain consent in writing: even if the contract does not specify any particular form. A oral agreement can later be not proven.
Consent that has been granted is binding. The landlord can only withdraw it for good cause withdraw it, for example after repeated complaints or damage. Even then, they must first issue a written warning. It continues to apply in the event of a change of ownership. If you have tolerated the keeping of pets for many years, you have tacitly consented.
Comparis tip: The consent usually refers to the type of animal, not the individual animal. If your cat dies, you may keep a new one. However, a second animal or a different type of animal on the other hand, requires new consent.
6. Frequently asked questions about pets in rental apartments
Yes. Swiss tenancy law recognises no ban on pets. If nothing is stated in the rental agreement, you may keep dogs and cats, as long as no justified complaints arise. Exception: animals with a high potential to cause disturbance or danger. If the contract requires consent, you must ask, even for an indoor cat.
Small animals in a cage or aquarium: hamsters, guinea pigs, budgies, canaries, ornamental fish. They may even if there is a ban on pets be kept, as long as their number remains within normal limits and there are no complaints.
Yes, but not straightaway. The landlord will first send you a reminder in writing. If the dog stays, they may terminate the tenancy with 30 days to the end of a month terminate the lease. The notice of termination can be challenged with the conciliation authority, but however, the chances are slim.
You as the tenant. The personal liability insurance usually covers tenant damage such as scratches on parquet flooring. Not covered are damages caused by keeping animals in conditions that are not appropriate for them. For dogs, liability insurance is compulsory in many cantons mandatory in any case.
The law does not specify any number. The decisive factors are the rental agreement and the consent given. For small animals, the following applies: in usual numbers. The Animal Welfare Ordinance sets limits: you must keep guinea pigs and budgerigars at least in pairs .
A visiting dog is not considered keeping an animal. However, if you look after it regularly or for weeks at a time, it changes from being a visitor to being kept there. In that case, the tenancy agreement applies. The law does not specify a fixed period for this. The IEMT Annex requires a new agreement as soon as the number of animals changes for more than four months changes.
Rights and obligations in a rental apartment
This guide is part of the topic «What you are allowed and required to do in your apartment». In the overview, Comparis explains what applies under tenancy law, from repairs to disputes with the landlord.
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This article was first published on 22.09.2026