As part of the rental application process, a landlord may request a certificate of good conduct and morals in addition to proof of income and a statement of non-prosecution to verify your financial stability. This article covers the definition, requirements, and process for obtaining a certificate of good conduct and morals.
A certificate of good conduct and morals (CBGM) is intended to attest to the good reputation of the person who requests it. It is issued by a police officer who, based on the information at their disposal, ensures that the applicant enjoys a respectable reputation. This certificate may be refused when a criminal record shows a conviction for a prison sentence. However, the officer may consider that the offense or crime is not serious given the circumstances and grant the CBGM. When the applicant is the subject of well-founded complaints that could harm their reputation, a refusal may also be issued.
When you are looking for a rental apartment, it is in your best interest to gather all the necessary documents for a solid rental application before even visiting properties. This is especially true if you use the real estate rental platform SherlockHomes, as everything can move very quickly. You will find advertisements throughout Switzerland and can schedule a visit in a few clicks. If you like the property, it is likely that you will not be the only interested party. Therefore, in the face of potential competition, you must be prepared to provide all the rental application documents after the visit. Payslips proving your salary level and a statement of non-prosecution proving the absence of debts are always required. However, presenting a certificate of good conduct and morals can further reassure the landlord, as this document is generally not required by the landlord or property management company. Some, after a bad experience, may request this certificate, and being able to provide it immediately will be a real advantage for your application.
A certificate of good conduct and morals may be necessary to rent an apartment. But how can you obtain this certificate? Before starting the process, it is important to know that this formality is not free. Let's take the example of the city of Geneva. Requesting a CBGM costs 50 CHF, whether the certificate is granted or refused. You will need to go to the official cantonal website and fill out a form. You will then need to provide a criminal record extract dated less than three months, which you can request on the Confederation's website, as well as a copy of your identity document. Once the process is complete and the online payment is made, your information will be processed and the certificate will be issued within 10 business days.
This article cannot be exhaustive and does not engage the responsibility of its author.
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