A listing is a filter, not an advert
In a tight market a rental listing does not need to attract more people. It needs to attract the people who fit and tell the others early that this flat is not for them. Every missing fact comes back to you as an e-mail, a phone call or an application that could never have worked.
The checklist
| Item | Write it like this |
|---|---|
| Rent | Net rent and ancillary costs as two figures, plus the total |
| Size | Rooms, living area in square metres, floor, lift yes or no |
| Move-in | A date, or "by arrangement from" a date |
| Smoking | Allowed or not allowed |
| Pets | Which kinds are welcome and which are not |
| Extras | Balcony, cellar, parking space and its price |
| Photos | Every room in daylight, the view, a floor plan |
| Next step | How to apply and when the viewing takes place |
Why rent and Nebenkosten belong in two figures
Under Art. 257a OR, a tenant only has to pay ancillary costs that were specially agreed with the landlord. Two clear figures in the listing set the right expectation from the start and let applicants check honestly whether they can afford the flat.
Be precise about pets
The Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) writes in its leaflet on rental application forms (updated 15 July 2025) that the question about pets is admissible in principle, but should distinguish the kind of animal. Do the same in the listing: "cats welcome, no dogs" helps more than "pets on request".
Leave out what does not belong
Describe the flat, not the tenant you imagine. According to the same leaflet, questions about marital status, religion or nationality are in principle not admissible on an application form. Phrases that point to such characteristics do not belong in a listing either.
What aptari does with a clear listing
- Your rules count. Each applicant's fit is rated from income against the rent, the checked documents and the listing's smoking and pet rules. If these are stated clearly, the sorted shortlist reflects your real requirements.
- Same rules for everyone, facts shown. Nationality, religion, age and gender are never used.
- A person at your agency decides. aptari never decides and never declines automatically.
Starter is CHF 0 with 1 active listing and a 14-day Growth trial.
This is general information, not legal advice.