Signals you can read while you wait
Nobody can tell you an honest number of days. What you can read are signals:
| What happens | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Your dossier link was opened | Someone looked at your application. Nothing more. |
| You are asked for payslips or an ID copy | According to the FDPIC, proof is for chosen candidates. You are probably on the shortlist. |
| Your landlord or employer gets a reference call | References may be contacted for applicants who are seriously considered (FDPIC leaflet, 2025). |
| You receive a draft lease | The decision is made. Nothing is binding until both sides agree. |
| Silence | Not a no, not a yes. Carry on. |
What to do in the meantime
- Keep applying. One open application is no reason to pause the search.
- Stay reachable. Answer calls from unknown numbers and check your spam folder.
- Warn your references. The Swiss Tenants Association recommends telling them in advance that a call may come.
- Follow up once, politely. A short message with the listing address and your viewing date is enough.
- Do not give notice yet. The statutory notice period for flats is three months (Art. 266c OR). Give notice on your current home once the new lease is agreed, not before.
- Have the originals ready. The landlord may ask the chosen applicant for the original debt enforcement extract.
After the decision
When the flat is let, the landlord has to destroy the forms and attachments of the other applicants, unless you agreed to stay on a waiting list (FDPIC leaflet, 2025). If you hear nothing for a long time, the flat has probably gone to someone else.
How aptari shortens the guessing
- One list with every application. aptari records what you sent and when, across portals. You stop searching through mail folders.
- Link opened. When you apply with your private dossier link, you see when it was opened. An unopened link after many days tells you where a polite follow-up makes sense.
- Steps on partner listings. On listings from aptari partner agencies you would also see each step: shortlist, invitation, decision. That applies as soon as partner agencies list on aptari; none have yet.
- Alerts for new listings on saved searches (Pro and Ultra, and in the 14-day trial) keep new options coming while you wait.
This is general information, not legal advice.