How to Maintain your Home
Under Swiss rental law, tenants are expected to keep their home in good condition. If the property is not returned in an acceptable state, the landlord may deduct repair or cleaning costs directly from the rental deposit. Most lease agreements clearly state that tenants are responsible for carrying out routine upkeep and basic maintenance. Any damage caused, or neglect in caring for the property, will make the tenant liable for the expenses of restoration. In short: treat your rental home as though it were your own. Proper care and regular maintenance will save you unnecessary costs at the end of your tenancy. Below are some practical tips on tenant responsibilities, many of which are included in the standard terms and conditions that accompany Swiss lease agreements:
Move-in inspection report
When you move into your new home, the landlord (and in some cases the outgoing tenant) will walk through the property with you to check its condition. Together, you will complete and sign a written inspection protocol that lists any existing defects. This document is very important—it becomes the official baseline against which the condition of the property will be compared at the end of your lease. Always ask for a copy of the signed protocol and keep it safely stored for future reference. If you later discover issues that were not visible at the time of inspection, take clear photos and notify your landlord in writing within 14 days. This ensures that the damages are documented correctly and not attributed to you when you eventually move out.
Insurance
In Switzerland, personal liability insurance (“Haftpflichtversicherung” / “responsabilité civile”) is essential. It protects you against accidental damage caused to the rental property. Alongside this, it is strongly advised to take out household contents insurance (“Hausratversicherung” / “assurance ménage”) to cover your belongings in case of burglary or other incidents.
Communication with Your Landlord
Make sure all communication with your landlord is done in writing, and keep copies of any agreements for your records. Before making any changes to the property—such as painting walls, installing extra locks, or drilling into bathroom or kitchen tiles—you must obtain the landlord’s written approval in advance.
Property maintenance
As a tenant, you are expected to keep the property clean and well-maintained during your tenancy. Always keep receipts or invoices for any professional maintenance work, as your landlord may request proof when you move out.
Typical responsibilities
Ventilation: Regularly air out your home—especially kitchens and bathrooms—to prevent mildew. Open windows twice a day to circulate fresh air. Any mildew-related damage to walls, floors, or ceilings is the tenant’s responsibility.
Limescale removal: In areas with hard water, limescale can quickly build up. Clean taps, sinks, tiles, and bathroom fittings regularly to avoid damage.
General upkeep
- Keep blinds in good working order
- Clean filters (ventilation, dishwasher, cooking hood)
- Empty and clean freezers regularly
- Ensure drains remain unblocked
Heating and Chimney Maintenance
If your property has an individual heating system (common in standalone or row houses), you must arrange a service contract with a professional provider. The boiler should be cleaned every 2–3 years at your expense. Check with your landlord for the last service date and keep all records.
For houses with a fireplace, Swiss law requires an annual chimney sweep. Keep a copy of the invoice as proof.
Snow Clearing
In standalone houses or row houses, tenants are responsible for clearing snow from paths and access areas.
Garden Maintenance
For tenants renting a house with a private garden, looking after the outdoor space is part of your responsibilities. Keeping the garden well-maintained not only ensures a pleasant environment during your stay but also prevents costly issues at the end of your lease.
Here are the key points to keep in mind:
Plants, trees, and the lawn should be watered regularly, and during hot spells, daily watering may be necessary.
Hedges, bushes, fruit trees, and roses should be kept in shape, usually with the help of a specialist.
Existing plants, shrubs, or trees may not be removed or replaced without written approval from the landlord.
Any changes you make with the landlord’s consent will stay with the property when you move out. In some cases, the landlord may require you to remove them, but tenants are not entitled to compensation.
Green waste: All garden clippings and organic waste must be disposed of by the tenant.
Winter precautions: Outdoor taps, pipes, and automated watering systems must be drained before winter to avoid frost damage. Any costs for damage due to negligence fall on the tenant.
Handling Repairs and Damages
Any issues or damages in the property should be reported to your landlord as soon as they occur. Delays in reporting can result in you being held responsible for additional costs.
If repairs are needed, do not contact service providers on your own—always coordinate through your landlord. This is important because:
The landlord can check whether the repair is still covered by warranty.
It must be clarified in advance whether the tenant or landlord is responsible for the cost. If you are liable, notify your liability insurance provider, even if the repair is carried out only after you move out.
If the landlord is covering the repair, they must first approve the cost estimate.
Landlords often have agreements with preferred contractors, which can help keep costs lower.
If your landlord does not cover the costs, we recommend you request a quote prior to booking any work in your home. This will usually entail a visit to your home to assess the work, followed by a written estimate. If you agree with the price, then you can arrange to book the intervention. Please remember to get the landlord’s approval in writing before making any changes.
Being a Good Neighbour
Swiss neighbours value peace and quiet. To avoid conflicts, keep noise levels down at night—specifically after 10:00 pm and until 7:00 am in the morning.
Best practices, moving out
When leaving your rental, the property must be handed back in the same condition as when you moved in. It’s important to be present at the final inspection to make sure you are not held accountable for damages you didn’t cause.
Your security deposit will only be returned once the final rent is paid, all outstanding claims are settled, and the property is confirmed to be in acceptable condition. By law, landlords and agencies have up to 12 months to release the deposit, though in practice the process usually takes between 2 and 6 months.