Legal framework
Swiss tenancy is governed by the Code of Obligations (CO) art. 253–274g. Tenant associations (ASLOCA, MV) offer affordable support.
Duration
- Indefinite: standard, until termination
- Fixed: automatic end on agreed date
- Legal notice: usually 3 months with legal term (end of month or cantonal term)
Rent and charges
- Net rent: base price
- Charges: water, heating, common electricity, caretaker
- Advance with annual statement: annual reconciliation
- Flat-rate: fixed amount
- Gross rent: net + charges
Rent increase
Only under certain conditions:
- Reference rate decrease not passed on
- Higher maintenance costs
- CPI adjustment
- Value-adding works
Notified by official form at least 10 days before. 30 days to contest at conciliation authority.
Tenant termination
3 months' notice + term. Exceptions: tenant death, force majeure, acceptable successor.
Landlord termination
Must be justified. 3 months minimum. Lease extension: 2–4 years possible if requested within 30 days. Abusive termination prohibited.
Security deposit
- Max 3 months' rent
- Paid into blocked bank account
- Refunded within 30 days after exit inventory
- Landlord cannot demand cash
Inventory of fixtures
Entry and exit mandatory. Check walls, floors, plumbing, kitchen, windows. Normal wear = landlord, abnormal damage = tenant.
Key rights
- Repairs: landlord, except small (CHF 150–300, tenant)
- Landlord access: notice 24–72h, except emergency
- Sublet: possible with consent
- Pets: may be banned, but not absolute
- Undetailed statement: challengeable
Help
- ASLOCA (asloca.ch): CHF 30–50/yr
- MV Mieterverband: German-speaking equivalent
- Tenancy court: cantonal jurisdiction
- Conciliation authority: mandatory step
