Frequently asked questions

Properties always have to be returned to their original condition before being handed back. Any holes in the walls have to be professionally filled when you are moving out. As soon as the new tenants have been selected, you can discuss with them whether they would like the walls to be repainted in the original colour. If so, the walls have to be professionally repainted.

Yes, definitely! When moving to a new district, you have to notify your current local authority that you are moving out of the district. You can de-register from your local authority at your local residents registration office. The same applies for registering at your new local residents registration office. You will have 14 days to de-register and register. Please contact your local authority for information on the documents you will need to de-register and register.

By the way: you will still have to register your new address at your local residents registration office even if you are not moving to a different district.

The costs involved differ from case to case. Once a property has been handed back, it will be checked against the moving-in report. If there are any broken parts or appliances, the cost for replacing them may be deducted from your deposit if they fall under the minor repairs tenants are required to perform themselves. You may also be charged for any reductions in value.

We recommend getting a parking permit for public parking spaces. However, depending on the region, it may also be possible to apply for parking permits and for parking spaces to be blocked on your moving-in day at your local authority or cantonal police station. By the way: most removals companies will take care of arranging parking spaces or getting parking permits for areas where parking is not normally allowed.

The formula for the relative method of rent adjustment is based on a model developed by the Federal Office for Housing. If the reference interest rate rises by a quarter of one percent, this will result in a rent increase of 3%. In addition to the reference interest rate, 40% of the inflation rate (National Consumer Price Index) and cost increases may also be passed on to the rent. 

Tenancy law stipulates that the party initiating a change in the rent must be the one to take action. 

• If the reference interest rate drops, tenants may request a rent reduction. 
• If the reference interest rate goes up, landlords may communicate a rent increase.

Yes, landlords must inform tenants about the rent increase in good time using an official form. Key dates are the termination dates and deadlines agreed in the tenancy agreement or the customary local termination dates if these are not specified in the agreement. Please note the instructions for appeals on the rent adjustment form (reverse side).

Yes, you can appeal the rent increase to the arbitration authority within 30 days of receiving the letter from your landlord. See the appeal instructions on the rent adjustment form.

It’s impossible to say at this point. The reference interest rate is announced quarterly by the Federal Office for Housing.
Experts assume that the reference interest rate will continue to rise over the next few years.

Switzerland’s Federal Office for Housing publishes its reference interest rate quarterly, every 1 March, 1 June, 1 September and 1 December.