What the law allows
| Question | Rule | Where it says so |
|---|---|---|
| Do I owe ancillary costs at all? | Only if specifically agreed with the landlord | Art. 257a OR |
| What counts? | Actual costs linked to the use: heating, hot water, similar running costs, public charges from the use | Art. 257b OR |
| Heating and hot water in detail | Fuel and energy used, electricity for burners and pumps, chimney cleaning, periodic service, consumption metering, maintenance | Art. 5 VMWG |
| What is excluded? | Repair and renewal of the systems, interest and depreciation on them | Art. 6 VMWG |
| Empty flats in the building | Their heating costs are the landlord's | Art. 7 VMWG |
| Administration | By actual effort or within usual rates | Art. 4 VMWG |
Akonto or pauschal
These are the two ways to bill, and your lease says which one applies.
- Akonto (on account): you pay monthly instalments. The landlord must draw up a statement at least once a year and present it to you (Art. 4 VMWG). The statement shows what you still owe or get back.
- Pauschal (flat rate): you pay a fixed sum. The landlord must base it on the average of three years (Art. 4 VMWG).
Your right to see the receipts
On request, the landlord must let you inspect the receipts (Art. 257b OR). For heating costs you or a person you authorise may see the original documents and ask for the opening and closing stock of fuel (Art. 8 VMWG). If the annual heating bill comes without a detailed breakdown, it must say that you can ask for one.
New ancillary costs during the lease
A landlord who wants to introduce new ancillary costs must use the form approved by the canton and give reasons, like for a rent increase (Art. 269d OR). You can challenge this at the conciliation authority within 30 days (Art. 270b OR).
Before you sign
- Read which costs the lease lists by name.
- Check whether it says akonto or pauschal.
- Add the monthly amount to the net rent. That total is what leaves your account.
How aptari helps
aptari does not check ancillary cost statements. It helps one step earlier, when you compare flats. The feed brings together the rental listings of Homegate, ImmoScout24, Flatfox and about 800 housing cooperative websites, free and without login. On each listing the Match Score, 0 to 100, sets your income against the rent and shows the facts behind the number.
This is general information, not legal advice.