How can one find a rental apartment in Switzerland? In this post I’m going to talk about the different steps that you need to take to successfully find an apartment. Apartments and houses in Switzerland are a rather competitive space and therefore you need to invest some time and effort into finding one. Here are some tips on how to increase your chances for success:
1. Determine your budget
Start by setting your budget. How much are you willing to spend on rent? The rent usually includes the extra cost for maintenance, warm water, oil & heating. You’ll also pay some items separately like electricity or the usage of the washing machine. This will just add a little something to the overall cost but it’s not going to be a lot.
2. Specify your requirements
Think about the type of apartment you need, the number of rooms, location preferences and anything else that is important to you. You’ll notice that the rooms are often declared as 2.5 or 3.5. What does half of a room mean? This is when there’s no wall between the kitchen and dining area or if there’s a room that is very small and is not fully closed. There is not a clear description of what that means though. The kitchen and bathroom are never added to the number of rooms. Example: A 2,5 room apartment could therefore mean: 1 bedroom, 1 living room with the 0.5 for the open kitchen and dining area, as well as a bathroom. There could be a cellar or attic as well – this is usually the case.
3. Search on online platforms
Several online platforms and websites list available apartments in Switzerland. Popular websites include:
These platforms allow you to search for apartments based on location, size, price range, and other criteria. You can also set up email alerts to receive notifications when new listings that match your preferences become available.
4. Networking and word of mouth
Inform friends or colleagues about your apartment search. They might have connections or heard of someone who’s going to move out of their apartment soon. If you are able to take over somebodies apartment, the house management is usually very willing to accept you without even putting the apartment on an online platform.
5. Attend apartment viewings
Once you find an apartment that you like, schedule a viewing to go to see it yourself. It’s important to view apartments as early as possible, as there’s usually a very high demand. Sometimes an apartment is already taken after the first people viewing it. Therefore be quick! Try to make yourself available for the earliest viewing time in order not to lose the opportunity. When you go to a viewing, it’s best to be prepared to apply for the apartment in case you like it a lot. You usually get a form that you need to fill out and you also get asked for other documents which leads us to the next part.
6. Gather necessary documents
Landlords often require specific documents from prospective tenants. This can be copies of identification documents, a proof of income or employment, excerpt from the debt collection register and a completed application form.
Regarding the excerpt from the debt collection register (Betreibungsregisterauszug): This is almost always requested. It’s a document that shows if you haven’t paid your bills. Landlords want to be sure to rent their apartment to someone who’s reliable when it comes to paying the rent. The document can be requested at the place where you currently live and it costs around 17 CHF. Normally such a document should not be older than 3 months when you apply to an apartment. You can get it issued quite quickly, but if you are actively looking for an apartment it makes sense to already get it so you have it at hand.
Ask your employer to create a confirmation of employment which you can add to your application as well. And make some copies of your identity card or passport.
7. Create a short application or CV
Imagine a landlord or agency receiving 50 application forms for the same apartment. How to make a choice with so many people being interested? What I suggest is to create a short application or CV about you / your family. Put some photos there and tell the landlord what you do for a living, in your spare time and why you love this apartment. This will increase your chances of success drastically compared to a faceless form.
8. Be proactive and persistent
Once you’ve sent your application, try calling them after 1-2 days just to let them know that you are still interested in this specific apartment. This will allow you to have a personal exchange with the person deciding and they will also know that this is important to you. As mentioned before, when there are so many people applying for the same apartment, it’s hard to choose. With a friendly conversation over the phone, you will be top of mind for the person deciding.
9. Consider temporary or furnished options
If you are relocating to Switzerland and need accommodation while you search for a long-term apartment, consider temporary or furnished options such as serviced apartments or subletting. This can provide you with a place to stay while you continue your apartment search.
With all of that in mind, you are well prepared for your apartment search. Now, be patient and persistent – I’m sure you’ll find a place that you like!
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