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Understand how to legally terminate a lease agreement in Switzerland...
Notice to end the rental contract can be made by the tenant or the landlord so long as it complies with the terms of the contract.
Notice period for tenants is usually three months although if otherwise it may state the terms on the contract. If a tenant wants to leave before the time is due they should propose an appropriate tenant to the landlord.
- For more information see the Swiss Authorities page on: terminating a rental agreement
Landlords must notify their tenants in writing. It is vital that the notice of termination reaches the tenant in good time (at least one day before the beginning of the notice period). If the landlord has not complied with the terms of the contract, the tenant may take their case to the arbitration board.
Loss or damage
Tenants are liable for losses or damage over and above normal wear and tear. A tenant does not need to replace broken items at an "as new" price but at the current value of the item.
Reclaiming the deposit
A landlord will issue a final invoice and the deposit is paid back within approximately two weeks. The deposit may be used to carry out repairs but only with the agreement of the tenant. If a tenant does not agree, a landlord must get a court ruling that repairs will be paid out of the deposit. If that does not happen, then the bank will release the deposit one year later.
The arbitration board (autorités de conciliation) can hear any dispute between land owner and tenant. Tenants' and landlords' associations also assist tenants and landlords in respect of their needs and interests regarding notices of termination.
- Mieterverband association for tenants (in German)
Hotline for tenants: 0900 900 800 CHF 3.70/min. for calls from the fixed line network - Asloca association for tenants (in French)
Arbitration Zürich
Arbitration Basel
- MV Mieterverband Basel
At: Clarastrasse 2, 4005 Basel
Tel: 061 666 60 90
Fax: 061 666 60 98
Arbitration Berne
- MV Mieterverband Bern
At: Monbijoustrasse 61, 3007 Berne
Tel: 031 378 21 21
Arbitration Lucerne
- Mieterinnen- und Mieterverband Luzern
At: Hertensteinstrasse 40, 6004 Luzern
Tel: 041 220 10 22
Arbitration Zug
- Mieterinnen- und Mieterverband Kanton Zug
At: Industriestrasse 22, 6301 Zug
Tel: 041 710 00 88
Arbitration Geneva
- Commission de conciliation en matière de baux et loyers
At: 1 Place du Bourg-de-Four, 1211 Genève 3
Tel: 022 327 62 10
Arbitration Neuchâtel
- Chambre de conciliation Tribunal du Littoral et du Val-de-Travers
At: Case postale 3173, 2001 Neuchâtel
Tel: 032 889 61 80
Arbitration Jura
- Commission de conciliation en matière de bail du district des Franches-Montagnes
At: Rue de l’Aurore 8, 2340 Le Noirmont
Tel: 032 422 74 58
Arbitration Vaud
Contact the relevant district préfecture
Further Information
- The Swiss Portal government website: Renting a property in Switzerland
- The Swiss Portal government website: Termination of tenancy in Switzerland