Property Handover & Care

At Swiss Together, our goal is to make every step of your relocation journey easier — including the often-technical process of moving into and out of a rental property.

Moving In – The Handover

When you arrive at your new home, you should be able to step into a space that is clean, functional, and ready for you. The formal handover usually takes place on the first day of your lease, once the deposit and first month’s rent are paid.

During this session, the landlord or agency reviews the condition of the property and records it in a written protocol. We recommend that you as tenant make pictures, especially of damages, and send these to the landlord with the request to add them to the check-in protocol. This document is important, as it will also be used when you move out to compare the condition of the property.

We are by your side to make sure that any existing damages are correctly documented, so you are fully protected from the beginning. If something is overlooked, we help you raise it with the landlord within the allowed time frame.

Understanding Damages

It is normal for a property to show everyday signs of use. Small marks on walls or light scratches on floors are considered normal wear and tear and are not your responsibility. Other types of damages are treated differently:

Accidental damages

These damages will mostly be covered by third party liability insurance. It is thus strongly recommended take out private liability insurance to cover any damages which might be caused by accidents during your lease period. Some examples is a broken tile or a spilled glass of wine.

Negligence damages

These damages could have been prevented and are generally not covered by the third party liability insurance.

This type of damages must be covered by the tenant and the respective amount is usually deducted from deposit upon leaving the property. Some examples are mold from insufficient ventilation, pet scratches, or smoking damage — are the tenant’s responsibility. We make sure you understand how to avoid these issues and what to do if something arises.

Reporting Defects

If something breaks or doesn’t work during your stay, it’s essential to inform your landlord straight away . Otherwise, you may be made liable the additional damage caused by not reporting the defect. Also make sure you never have to deal with contractors or providers on your own — repairs should always go through the landlord, who decides if costs are theirs or the tenant’s.