Finding a suitable flat in Switzerland can be an exciting but also challenging task. Once you have found the right flat, it is important to carefully review and understand the rental agreement before signing it. In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the rental agreement for flats and explain important points that tenants should consider.
A tenancy agreement is a legal document that sets out the agreement between a landlord and a tenant regarding the letting of a property. The tenancy agreement sets out the rights and obligations of both the landlord and the tenant during the tenancy.
Read more about the differences between rent, tenancy and leasing here
Typically, a tenancy agreement contains information such as the rental period, the rent, the payment terms, the deposit, the responsibilities regarding maintenance and repairs, as well as the house rules and any restrictions or agreements regarding the use of the property.
A tenancy agreement serves to protect the interests of both parties and avoid potential disputes by setting out the terms of the tenancy in a clear and binding manner.
Here is our practical checklist for reviewing your tenancy agreement.
1. contracting parties and residential property
The tenancy agreement should contain the full names and addresses of both the landlord and the tenant. In addition, the exact address and a description of the rented property, including the living space and number of rooms, must be clearly stated.
2. rental period and period of notice
The tenancy agreement should specify the duration of the tenancy, including the start and end dates. The notice period for both parties must also be specified in the contract, usually three months to the end of the month.
3. Rent and ancillary costs
The rent and ancillary costs must be clearly defined in the tenancy agreement. The rent is the monthly rent that the tenant pays to the landlord, while the service charges may include additional costs such as heating, water, electricity, and possibly also services such as caretaking or cleaning. It is important to understand which costs are included in the rent and which are charged separately.
4. rental deposit
The tenancy agreement should also contain provisions on the rental deposit. In Switzerland, the standard amount of the rental deposit is three months' rent and must be deposited in a separate account from which the landlord has no access during the tenancy.
5. Use of the flat
The tenancy agreement should precisely define the use of the flat, including any restrictions on subletting, commercial use or keeping pets.
6. maintenance and repairs
The obligations of the landlord and tenant with regard to maintenance and repairs should be set out in the tenancy agreement. Normally, the landlord is responsible for major repairs and maintenance work, while the tenant is responsible for minor repairs and the normal upkeep of the flat.
Conclusion
Before signing a rental agreement for a flat in Switzerland, it is important to review it carefully and make sure you understand and accept all the terms and conditions. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact a legal advisor or the Swiss Tenants' Association for further assistance. A well-thought-out tenancy agreement can help avoid misunderstandings and disputes and provide you with a pleasant and stress-free living relationship.
Do you have any questions on this topic or would you like to find out more? Contact us for an appointment.