The checklist
| Topic | Ask this | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | What is the net rent, and which ancillary costs are charged on top? | You pay ancillary costs only if they were specially agreed (Art. 257a OR). |
| Ancillary costs | How high was the back-payment last year? | The Swiss Tenants Association advises asking this, ideally in writing. You may inspect the receipts (Art. 257b OR). |
| Previous rent | What did the previous tenant pay? | You can demand this figure (Art. 256a OR). An initial rent can be challenged within 30 days of moving in under the conditions of Art. 270 OR. |
| Deposit | How many monthly rents, and at which bank? | At most three monthly rents for a home, in an account in your name (Art. 257e OR). |
| Start | From which date, and is it flexible? | Overlapping rents cost money. |
| Notice | Which notice dates and periods apply? | The statutory period for flats is three months (Art. 266c OR). Leases can set their own dates. |
| Condition | What will be repaired or painted before handover? | The flat must be handed over fit for its use (Art. 256 OR). Get promises in writing. |
| Handover | Is there a return protocol from the previous tenant? | You may ask to see it at handover (Art. 256a OR). |
| House | Pets, smoking, instruments, laundry days? | House rules become part of daily life. |
| Process | Until when do you need the form, and when do you decide? | You know when a follow-up makes sense. |
Check with your own eyes
- Windows, damp spots in bathroom and corners, water pressure.
- Noise with the windows open and closed.
- Mobile reception, cellar, bike space.
Stay safe
The Swiss Tenants Association advises to view a flat before anything else and never to pay money in advance to people you do not know.
Viewings and aptari
- Live Tours. An agency on aptari can show a flat live in the browser to many people at once. Renters join from phone or laptop when an agency offers one. The checklist above works there too: ask your questions during the tour.
- Ready to apply. With your Tenant Passport built once, you can apply right after the viewing. On listings from other Swiss portals and from cooperatives, wherever the button shows, Apply with Aptari writes the message and adds your private dossier link. You paste and send it yourself.
This is general information, not legal advice.