How do apartment swaps work?

1. What is an apartment swap?

An apartment swap is where the tenants of two apartments are changed as part of an apartment exchange. Two parties exchange their apartments either for a certain period of time or permanently. As a rule, the consent of the respective landlords is required.

Good to know: a similar exchange principle also exists for owner-occupied apartments and houses. However, such exchanges are less common.

What is the point in exchanging apartments?

By exchanging apartments, you can find a living space that better suits your current living situation. For example, older people can move into smaller apartments and families into larger ones – without the need to build additional apartments. This makes more efficient use of existing housing and counteracts bottlenecks in the housing market.

2. Legal framework: is an apartment swap legal?

Yes, an apartment swap is generally legal in Switzerland. However, you must note that the exchange requires the consent of the owners. If both apartments have the same landlord (e.g. with a cooperative or management company), three parties must agree – both tenants plus the landlord. If the apartments belong to different owners, you will need the consent of four parties – both tenants and both landlords.

A landlord is never obliged to accept the proposed exchange partner. This means that you should not give notice to leave your apartment prematurely. If your landlord or landlady does not agree to the swap and you do do this, you may be left without an apartment. 

3. How do apartment swaps work?

The principle of apartment swapping is as follows: two tenants leave their respective apartments and each move into the other's apartment. Both parties conclude a new rental agreement with the landlord of the new apartment. 

Have you agreed to swap apartments with a tenant, and have the landlords agreed in writing? If so, there are usually three ways to proceed:

1. Ordinary termination: both tenants give notice to terminate their current rental agreement and propose each other as new tenants to the landlords.

2. Early termination with a replacement tenant: if the exchange is to take place more quickly, both tenants can terminate their agreements outside the usual termination dates and propose each other as replacement tenants.

3. Subletting: another option is for both parties to move into each other's apartment and officially subtenants. However, the landlord's permission must be obtained in any case. This solution is more suited towards a trial exchange or for a limited period of time.

Is it possible to swap an apartment for a house?

Yes, you can. The key factor is not whether it is an apartment or a house, but that all of the parties involved (i.e. all landlords and both tenants) agree to the exchange. A house exchange is also possible.

4. How do I cancel an apartment swap?

To cancel an apartment swap, a written and timely termination of the rental agreement is required. You will usually find the relevant notice periods in your tenancy agreement. If you want to move out of the apartment outside of the notice period, you must find a suitable replacement tenant to take over the tenancy. 

5. Swapping homes during the holidays

When exchanging apartments during the holidays two households swap their apartments for a determined period of time. During this time, both parties live in the other's home. The advantage of this is that there are no accommodation costs and both parties get a genuine holiday. 

Are you planning to swap homes during the holidays? Then the following points can help:

• Ideally, you should get to know your exchange partner in advance by phone or video call. This will help you to assess whether you want to entrust the person with your apartment.

• Clarify the travel dates, any expectations and responsibilities (e.g. cleaning or use of equipment) in writing in advance.

• An apartment exchange during the holidays is not considered a sublease agreement as long as no money is involved. In this case, you do not need the permission of your landlord. Out of consideration, you should still inform your landlord and your neighbours who is moving in temporarily.

• Both parties involved in the apartment exchange should have personal liability insurance. In this way, you are covered in the event of damage. Also, make sure to store your personal valuables securely.