Tenancy law: what is covered by legal protection insurance?
In the event of a dispute with the landlord, personal legal protection insurance covers lawyers’ fees and court costs. Comparis explains which tenancy disputes are covered, from when the cover takes effect, and what help is available without legal protection insurance.
16.09.2026
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Key points at a glance
The personal legal protection insurance covers the following in the event of tenancy disputes lawyers’ fees, court fees and expert reports.
Only cases are insured whose triggering event occurred after the start date of the contract lies. An ongoing dispute cannot be insured retrospectively.
Many providers also set a waiting period. Depending on the provider, this lasts from one to six months. Some insurers do not apply one at all.
Without insurance, the conciliation authority. In many cases, the procedure is free of charge for tenancy disputes.
1. What is covered by legal protection insurance?
Legal protection insurance usually covers legal costs and lawyers’ fees. However, the cover and premiums may differ between insurance companies. It’s therefore well worth to compare different offers. The cheapest is not always the best. The following are usually covered:
Lawyer’s fees
Court fees
Expert reports
Reimbursement of the counterparty’s legal expenses
Bail as an advance
These are typical tenancy disputes, in which the insurance steps in:
The landlord does not reduce the rent even though the reference interest rate has fallen
You receive a rent increase, that you consider to be unjustified
The landlord does not remedy reported defects not
After moving out, the deposit is retained
You want to contest a termination challenge
During the handover of the flat there is a dispute about damage
Cover is also tenant legal protection or tenant legal expenses insurance «tenant legal protection insurance».
2. From when does the cover apply?
Only legal cases are insured that arise only after the start of the contract. The insurance does not cover any dispute that is already ongoing or foreseeable at the time the policy is taken out.
In addition, many providers apply a waiting period, also known as a qualifying period: cover only begins after this waiting period has elapsed. The duration is set out in the insurance conditions and varies from one insurer to another – however, some insurance companies do not apply it at all. As a rule, it varies between one and six months.
3. What is not covered?
The following are usually excluded:
Fines and monetary penalties
Acts committed intentionally
Events, that occurred or were foreseeable before the start date of the policy that occurred or were foreseeable
Important: Tenancy law is usually only one of several areas covered. Find out which others are included under Cover and benefits.
4. What assistance is available without legal expenses insurance?
Conciliation authority
The conciliation authority is responsible for any disputes arising in relation to tenancies. It has the mandate, in a free procedure to reach an agreement between the parties. If this is not possible, the parties must report to the competent court to enforce their claim. Proceedings in court are, however, subject to a fee – unless you have already taken out legal expenses insurance.
In the case of tenancy disputes, the conciliation authority of the municipality in which the rental property is located is responsible. Here you can find out which authority is responsible for you.
tenants’ association
Members of the tenants’ association benefit from free legal advice for questions relating to tenancies and housing. The membership fee also includes legal expenses insurance for tenancy disputes.
A waiting period also applies with the tenants’ association waiting period. It is 60 days in Zurich and 30 days in Bern, Graubünden and Zug. Your regional tenants’ association is the authoritative source – ask them for more information.
5. FAQ – frequently asked questions about legal protection in tenancy law
Yes. A dispute with the landlord or administration is at the heart of personal legal expenses insurance. However, the legal dispute must have arisen after the start of the contract.
Some providers insure from the first day. Most, on the other hand, set a waiting period of one to six months. The exact duration is set out in the insurance conditions. Even without a waiting period, the following applies: if the cause already existed before the policy was taken out, the insurance company will not pay.
For tenants, personal legal insurance. If you own a property, it is worth taking out legal protection for homeowners: It covers disputes with tenants, with tradespeople and with neighbours.
In addition to legal protection, the home contents insurance and the personal liability insurance are key. Many landlords require proof of personal liability insurance when the tenancy agreement is signed.
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This article was first published on 25.04.2018