Use this checklist to avoid forgetting a step in Switzerland's document-heavy rental process.
Before applying
- [ ] ID or passport + residence permit (B/C/L)
- [ ] Last 3 salary slips OR employment contract
- [ ] Betreibungsauszug, dated within 3 months
- [ ] Reference from previous landlord
- [ ] Liability insurance (Haftpflicht) proof
- [ ] Budget set: gross income ≥ 3× the rent
- [ ] Decide your must-haves vs nice-to-haves (rooms, area, pets, parking)
When applying
- [ ] Submit the complete dossier in the first hour of a new listing
- [ ] Short, specific cover letter (who you are, why this apartment, move-in date)
- [ ] Apply across all portals, not just one
- [ ] Track which listings you applied to
At the viewing
- [ ] Arrive early to group viewings
- [ ] Bring a printed dossier as backup
- [ ] Note any defects you can see
- [ ] Confirm Nebenkosten and what's included
At signing
- [ ] Read the Mietvertrag fully (notice period, house rules, pet clause)
- [ ] Photograph every defect at handover (protects your deposit)
- [ ] Set up the Sperrkonto (deposit, max 3 months net rent)
- [ ] Get a copy of the handover protocol (Übergabeprotokoll)
After move-in
- [ ] Register at the Einwohnerkontrolle within 14 days
- [ ] Set up electricity, internet, Serafe (TV/radio fee)
- [ ] Take out Hausratversicherung (contents insurance)
- [ ] Keep the handover protocol for move-out
How aptari does the application half for you
aptari is the smartest way to apply in Switzerland. The "before applying" and "when applying" steps collapse into one Tenant Passport you fill once, then one-click apply to any listing instead of re-sending a paper dossier each time. Your Match Score shows your fit before you apply, and on Ultra the AI Agent applies for you. The signing and move-in steps stay yours, but you reach them faster.
See how to rent an apartment in Switzerland and what documents you need.