In Switzerland, two-thirds of the population live in a Rental apartment. The apartment belongs to the landlord or landlady, who does not occupy it himself. The people who use the apartment are called tenants. They rent the apartment and pay a rent for it, usually monthly.

Only one third of the resident population lives in a Condominium or a own house. There is a reason for this: apartments and houses are very expensive in Switzerland; most people cannot afford them.

Renting out apartments involves some effort, as does the maintenance of the property. Many landlords therefore hand over this work to a Property Management. This is then the contact point and responsible for the tenants' concerns.

Here you will find the information sheet "Living in Switzerland" in 15 languages.

You can also find many useful tips on the subject of housing here.

It is recommended to different ways to look for a new apartment. This will significantly increase your chances.

Internet: Vacant apartments are advertised on real estate portals.

Administrations: Request a registration form from as many building cooperatives and property managers as possible.

Newspapers: Vacant apartments are also advertised in daily newspapers, community gazettes or neighborhood newspapers.

Free ads: In shopping and community centers, neighborhood stores, restaurants, schools or hospitals there are also advertising boards. You can post an ad there free of charge or search for offers.

Circle of acquaintances: Not all vacant apartments are advertised. Therefore, inform your relatives, friends or co-workers that you are looking. They may receive valuable tips in this way.

Various real estate search engines:

• Immoscout24
• Homegate
• Newhome

If you want to successfully apply for an apartment, you should Prepare well and note some important points:

Apartment tour: In Switzerland, it is customary to make an appointment to view the apartment. Show up on time for the appointment. Make a serious and friendly impression.

Registration form: Fill out the form neatly, clearly and completely. If you find this difficult, find someone to help you fill it out.

Documents: Together with the registration form, you must submit other documents - such as your foreigner's identity card, debt collection statement (available from the debt collection office in your place of residence), salary or unemployment benefit statement, IV or AHV decree and written rent guarantee. On the registration form, you will find a list of the forms that must be submitted.

Cover letter: Your chances increase if you enclose a personal letter with the documents. Refer to the advertisement, briefly introduce yourself and explain why you are particularly interested in the apartment. Again, if you find this task difficult, seek assistance.

Reference persons: Whenever possible, provide references who can provide good information about you - for example, your employer or previous landlord.

Lease: As a rule, the renter and the leasing party conclude a written rental agreement from. By signing, both parties agree to abide by the agreements made therein. You must keep the rental agreement.

Rent deposit (rent deposit): The deposit is maximum three months rent. It serves as security for the landlord or landlady; for example, in the case of unpaid rent, unpaid bills for incidental costs or damage to the apartment for which you must pay. The deposit will be returned to you immediately after you move out of the apartment.

Initially, the apartment costs the monthly rent, agreed in the rental contract. Added to this are the ancillary costs.

At Service charges include, for example, the costs for heating, water, the janitor, garden maintenance, waste water and much more. The ancillary costs must always be mentioned and precisely described in the rental agreement. Otherwise they are not allowed.

You usually pay a part of the additional costs monthly together with the rent. This is called Payments on account. At least once a year you will then receive a Final account. If the payments on account are lower than the final invoice, you will have to pay the remaining amount. If the costs are lower than this, you will be refunded the amount paid in excess. Check the final invoice carefully, it may be worthwhile.

After you have received the lease agreement, arrange the date for the apartment handover with the landlord, landlady or administration. At the handover, you check together whether Damage in the apartment are present. These are recorded in detail in the arrival or apartment handover protocol.

Important: Also Trivia such as scratches or chipped corners belong in the protocol. Also agree with the landlord or landlady which damages will be repaired by the landlords. At the end, both parties sign the acceptance protocol and you receive a copy. Keep it in a safe place.

There is damage that, despite thorough inspection, you discover only after moving in. In this case, immediately create a detailed list of defects and mention which damages you would like to have repaired. Send the list of defects by registered mail to the landlord, landlady or administration, observing the deadlines (usually 10 to 30 days).

Important: The following belong on the subsequent list of defects all damages. Those that you want to have fixed, and also those that do not bother you further. This will prevent you from having to pay later for damage that was already there when you moved in.

The landlord or landlady may increase the rent, but to do so must submit a official form use. In it are clear reasons for the increase and the corresponding figures. If you do not agree with an increase, you have 30 days to object.

Before you oppose a rent increase or file a Reduction you should find out exactly how to proceed and what deadlines you have to meet. Seek advice first before acting rashly. You can find out where to obtain advice here.

If the Reference interest rate If the reference interest rate is lowered, you as a tenant have a legal right to a reduction of the rent. A table with the amount of the reference interest rate as well as further information can be found at here . Additional information on the reference interest rate is available here.

Yes, both renters and lessors can terminate the apartment. However, you must comply with the terms set out in the contract. Deadlines and dates note. Anyone who receives a notice of termination has 30 days time, to oppose it at the conciliation board.

It is also possible to use the apartment outside the official termination dates to give notice. However, you must then find a new tenant yourself and propose one to the administration. If you give notice in due time, the administration will take over the search for a new tenant.

Minor defects must be remedied by the tenants themselves. This includes, for example, oiling hinges, changing a light bulb or tightening a loose screw on a socket.

Major repairsAny damage caused by specialists must be paid for by the rental company. In case of damage, always contact the administration first, they will then organize a specialist for you. Only in this way will the costs be covered by the rental.

In the event of damage caused by the tenants themselves due to excessive wear and tear or a mishap, the tenants or their liability insurance shall be liable.

You can find more detailed information at the Tenants' Association.

There are several organizations in Switzerland that deal with housing. One of them is the Tenants' Association. It advocates the interests and rights of tenants, advises its members and provides other services for them.

The contact for the tenants' association in the canton of Obwalden can be found at here.