Understanding Ads

Rent and ancillary costs

Rent consists of the basic rent (Mietzins) and ancillary costs (Nebenkosten). In postings for apartments, these two figures are listed separately. Ancillary costs generally include heating, water, cable TV, caretaker fees and other shared costs. It is important to ask exactly what is included in the ancillary costs in order to avoid surprises later, to make more accurate comparisons and, ultimately, to better budget your expenses.

Rental deposit

A rental deposit is also collected as collateral. This is two or three month's rent and is generally repaid at the end of the rental agreement unless it is needed to cover any damages, etc.

Some providers now offer the option to take out rent deposit insurance. However, this is only recommended in exceptional cases if the renter is unable to afford the rental deposit: while the initial cost is less, the money you pay into the policy is gone permanently because it is not paid back when you move out, as is the case with a rental deposit.

The rental process, step-by-step

The rental process is comprised of the following steps: apartment/home tour, application, acceptance, transfer of the rental deposit as well as the first month's rent, apartment/key handover including signing the inspection report (listing of apartment details and description of state of the apartment), moving into the apartment, registering with phone and internet providers, power company and Serafe (radio and broadcasting fees) and finally the written timely notice of lease termination in compliance with the contractual terms, cancellations with phone and internet providers, Serafe, power company, etc., scheduled apartment/key handover including inspection report, refund of the rental deposit.

Facilities

A kitchen is standard equipment in Swiss apartments, i.e. a stove, refrigerator, sink are included as well as cabinets and countertops and oftentimes a dishwasher and exhaust fan as well. Those who are looking for a pretty cheap accomodation might find a kitchen which is functionally equipped, but which offers even a shower (due to a lack of bathroom), while the toilet is located outside in the staircase. Only the living room and bedrooms count as rooms; the kitchen and bathroom are not considered rooms.

Laundry rooms

For many foreigners, the “laundry schedule” takes some getting used to at first: laundry facilities are usually shared with the other dwellers of the building as it is only common for higher-end apartments to be equipped with their own washing machine. The laundry room is usually located in the basement where there is a washing machine and dryer that can be used according to a specific system (on certain days or at certain times, e.g. every Tuesday or on Thursday mornings). When viewing the apartment, make sure to ask about the specific rules and whether there is any flexibility, whether laundry can be done on weekends (unusual) and how it is paid for (covered by ancillary costs, coin-operated or cash card).

Sometimes you may be allowed to install your own washing machine. However, this requires the permission of the landlord and the installation must be performed by a professional plumber to prevent damage resulting from the installation. The renter is solely responsible for covering all costs.