Within most rental contracts, your landlord will charge a lump sum rental deposit at the start of your tenancy. This deposit is based on the size of the accommodation and the rent that you pay. Theoretically, this deposit is to ensure that major damage caused to the house is covered throughout your tenancy prior to making the ultimate step to locating a house or apartment to buy.
Although this money can be returned for you by the end of your contract, you may still find innovative ways to work with the funds which is necessary to know the circumstances where you’ll be denied your deposit.
Who pays rental deposits in Switzerland?
When looking for a house in Switzerland, nearly all rental agreements involve accommodations deposit. This pertains to all types of housing and is normally based on the worthiness of the property. Furnished apartments have higher deposits because of the landlord owning the furniture, while student housing and houses of multiple occupancy have higher deposit rates due to the nature of life at university. Accommodation owned by housing associations will not charge a deposit but a regular membership charge instead.
Just how much are Swiss rental deposits?
Rental deposits are capped to no more than three months’ rent in your accommodation. This typically amounts to around 500 to 5.000 Swiss francs as a deposit. The money is paid through the first month of your residence which is returned for you once you’ve moved out. Go to mietkaution for more details.
Rental deposit bank accounts in Switzerland
Once you have paid your rental deposit, the landlord must put the amount of money in a rental deposit bank-account. Some banks offer interest payments on rental deposits while they are simply being held by the landlord. This may range between 0,01 to 0,025 percent per year. Although it is the landlord’s choice which account the amount of money goes to, you can ask to be placed with a bank that offers competitive rates on deposits?
When do I get my Swiss rental deposit back?
In Switzerland, tenants receive their rental deposit after the lease has been completed. This is usually around when you re-locate of your accommodation. Inside your notice letter, you are encouraged to specify to the landlord which account you desire the deposit to be paid to.
Landlord refusing to pay rental deposit in Switzerland
Your landlord is entitled to refuse repayment of accommodations deposit if indeed they assume that the requirements for maintenance and cleaning have not been met. They need to get this to decision clear to the tenant within thirty days of moving out, detailing why the deposit is not repaid. Oftentimes, the landlord will specify what actions have to be used order to get the deposit.
Criteria for not acquiring a Swiss rental deposit
In Switzerland, there are several criteria that landlords may use in order to withhold repaying a rental deposit. These relate to the overall quality of the accommodation when you leave and any obligations that you have not fulfilled. In the event that you think that you are being unfairly denied your rental deposit, it is strongly recommended to check with a lawyer and appeal through your local conciliation board.
Excessive damage
Excessive damage in this case is damage caused to accommodation that’s not a consequence of regular deterioration. The definition of the damage is outlined in your rental contract or by the regulations of your local county (canton). Generally speaking, the longer the tenancy, the greater lenient landlords are to damage to all sorts of housing. The costs of mending this damage are included in the rental deposit, although costs exceeding this amount will be charged to you as well.
Uncleared modifications to the accommodation
When you have made modifications to the inside of your rental accommodation that was not agreed after with the landlord, you are liable for any costs involved in restoring the housing to its original form. This can include interior modifications, kitchen replacements, bathroom improvements, layout changes and, in acute cases, extensions. Any modifications the landlord wants to remove will be done using the rental deposit.
Cleaning
If you leave rental accommodation in Switzerland, it is vital that you purchase cleaning services. In a few cantons, it is necessary by law to truly have a full and comprehensive clean done to your house, certified by a specialist cleaner. If you’re found to acquire not cleaned your home up to the highest standard, or have left items behind, the price of a short-notice cleaner will be deducted from the rental deposit.
Bear in mind that cleaners are in popular during designated moving days and the expense of securing one at short notice is often more expensive than your deposit.