Applying for an apartment in Switzerland
When applying for an apartment, you should adhere to a number of principles. With these tips from Comparis, you’ll stand out from your competitors and maintain a good relationship with the administration even after your apartment search.
25.07.2023
iStock/taikrixel
1. Make an impression
People who come across as likeable have better chances when applying for an apartment. These simple rules can help:
Make sure you look pleasant and well-groomed.
Introduce yourself using both your first and last names.
Show interest by asking questions. Don’t be obtrusive, just pay attention.
The housing market in Switzerland is particularly competitive in cities. You should be prepared for a lot of competition when applying for a rental apartment or a house.
2. Submit a complete application folder
After a successful viewing, submitting a complete and carefully prepared application folder with all the important application documents will improve your chances. You can either bring the folder to the viewing or pass it on to the administration the next day.
Be sure to carefully read the requirements. You should also be given a link to an application form you can fill out.
When compiling the documents, you should bear in mind the following points:
When applying, the rental company or administration may ask about pending debt collection and any loss certificates. Include the debt collection extract in your application documents. It must not be older than three months.
Good to know: according to the Federal Data Protection Commission, landlords may only request a debt collection extract after the contract has been signed. In practice, however, this is hardly ever implemented.
Your rental application form should always be filled out truthfully. Incorrect information can lead to unpleasant consequences.
The application form may only ask for information on objective evaluation criteria. Some questions are therefore only admissible under certain circumstances. Both the Tenants’ Association (in German) and the Federal Data Protection Commission have compiled overviews of admissible and inadmissible questions.
The landlord or administration may only obtain references from third parties with the express consent of the applicants. “Third parties” could be your current landlord or employer, for example. This allows landlords to check the information stated in your application.
The landlord or administration may only require your ID to draw up the rental agreement. A copy of your identity card or a residence permit can be used as ID, for example. The landlord or administration may only use your ID to check the data on your application form.
A cover letter is not required. However, providing one gives the landlord or administration a better, more personal impression.
This letter may contain personal information. Why should you get the apartment instead of someone else? How do you fit in with the other tenants? Why do you want to move into this apartment?
In the cover letter, you can also describe your professional and family situation and state the reason for your move. Try to keep the information short and don’t write more than one page.
Good to know: some landlords indicate on the application form that you must pay a fee if you do not sign a tenancy agreement that has been prepared especially for you. According to the Tenants’ Association, however, you do not need to pay anything in this situation, even if you signed something to this effect in the application form (link in German only).
3. Taboos when applying for an apartment
There are certain things you should avoid when applying for an apartment. They include the following:
Don’t miss an appointment without cancelling.
Always behave in a serious and friendly way.
Don’t give bribes or gifts to the landlord or administration. They will not be accepted, and they make a bad impression.
Don’t haggle over the rental price.
Don’t try to lower the rental price by being overly critical of the property.
Don’t lie on your application to make yourself look better. Only honest information allows landlords to make the right choice. This also reduces the risk of later disputes.
Help when moving home
Was your application successful? Congratulations! Soon you’ll be able to move into your new place and start making it feel like home. The Comparis moving checklist helps you to organize all the necessary matters.
Do you need help with the move?
4. Tips on how to deal with landlords and the administration
These tips will help you maintain a good relationship with the landlord or administration once you’ve moved in:
Transfer the rent on time and don’t miss any payment deadlines.
Always follow the house rules and the rental agreement.
Never agree to anything only verbally. Instead, write a letter for both parties to sign.
If you have any problems, talk to the landlord or administration in a timely manner. This includes things like defective light bulbs in the stairway. The quicker the problem is resolved, the less chance there is of frustration arising.
Stay friendly and factual, even in the event of disagreements.
Do you have a conflict with your landlord that can’t be resolved? If you’re a member of the Tenants’ Association if you have questions (link in German only).
This article was first published on 14.06.2017
