Rental Contract Details
The Swiss rental market is a landlord’s market.
In cities like Zurich and Geneva, home ownership rates are low (30–40%), and a small number of landlords own the majority of rental properties.
Whether you can rent a property often depends entirely on the landlord—and, before that, the real estate agency representing them.
Required Documents
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Identification card
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Copy of passport
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Residence permit or Carte de Légitimation (for international organization employees)
2. Proof of income
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Salary certificates for the past 3 months or an employment contract showing salary
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Proof of financial support from parents (for students)
3. Others
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Certificate of no bankruptcy※1 (obtainable after arriving in Geneva)
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Proof of RC insurance (civil liability, mandatory) and household insurance (mandatory)※2
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Admission letter from university or school (for students)
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Local guarantor (for students or in some cases)
Contract Duration
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Standard contract duration is 1 year.
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Termination notice must be given 3 months before the end of the contract. Failing to do so results in automatic 1-year renewal.
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If you leave the apartment before the contract ends, you are responsible for rent until the end of the contract or until a new tenant is found.
Security Deposit / Key Money
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Security deposit: Typically 3 months’ rent for unfurnished properties, 2 months’ rent for furnished properties.
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Deducted for necessary repairs and cleaning at move-out. Refund usually occurs 1 month to 1 year after moving out.
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Key money: 1 month’s rent.
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We use this for replacing consumables (bedding, linens, etc.) at move-in.
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Bank Account / Deposit Account
We can assist with explanations or accompany you to open a bank account or deposit account if desired.
Move-In / Move-Out Inspections
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Move-in inspection (état des lieux d’entrée) and move-out inspection (état des lieux de sortie) are crucial, especially at move-in.
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Experts conduct inspections, but any issues you notice should be reported immediately to avoid excessive repair charges later, particularly for electrical equipment such as refrigerators.
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Ensure your insurance is adequate at move-in. Basic student insurance may not cover all damages—please check carefully.