Glossary

Swiss rental, plain language.

Every term Swiss landlords use, defined in German, English, French and Italian. From Mietkaution to Match Score.

Security deposit (Mietkaution)

Tenant's security deposit, in Switzerland held on a blocked bank account.

Official 5-year debt-collection record. The single most important document on every Swiss rental application.

Official employer-issued document showing annual gross salary and deductions.

Running costs on top of net rent: heating, hot water, building maintenance, common electricity, often internet/TV.

A reference list of rents used when rent levels are disputed; in everyday Swiss usage also a building's tenant and rent list.

Lease with pre-agreed annual rent increases. No negotiation, no challenge.

Rent linked to the Swiss Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Joint walk-through by tenant and landlord at move-in and move-out, with a written record.

Swiss tenant protection organisation: advice, legal protection and representation in rental disputes.

Period within which a lease must be terminated. Typically 3 months in Switzerland.

Your tenant dossier that you set up once and reuse with one click on listings from aptari partner agencies.

A 0 to 100 score that shows you, before you apply, how well you fit an apartment.

aptari computes the Match Score by fixed, transparent rules. A human always makes the final decision.

Apply in one tap on listings from aptari partner agencies, using your ready-made Tenant Passport.

Rent increase announced by the landlord, contestable within 30 days.

The tenant subletting the apartment to a third party, allowed with landlord consent.

Official confirmation of residence, which some landlords request in addition.

Contract between tenant and landlord, typically in writing and fixed-term or open-ended.

Insurance against damage you cause in rented apartments. Usually required by landlords.

Actual living area of an apartment in m², measured without balcony, cellar or attic.