Are you looking for a flat to rent for the first time? We will help you in your search by breaking down the process into three steps: how to look for a flat? How to choose the right flat to visit? How to apply for a job in Switzerland? In short, a summary of everything you need to know to successfully rent your first flat.
If it used to be difficult to find a flat to rent without the services of a real estate agency, searches are now made much easier by the advent of the Internet. Several platforms, such as SherlockHomes, allow you to consult countless ads throughout Switzerland. But in the face of this profusion of ads, it is advisable to apply a few principles to avoid wasting time. And if you can start to consult the available properties to get an idea of the current rents, it is advisable to define your project before going further in your research.
This naturally starts with the location of the property: the canton, the city and possibly the district for large conurbations such as Geneva, Zurich, Basel, Lausanne or Bern. The second essential criterion is the budget. These two criteria will allow you to check that the project is feasible and what surface area is possible. Note that the more spacious the flat, the higher your expenses will be.
Once you have determined these two main criteria, go to SherlockHomes, which offers you the possibility of filtering the ads according to three criteria: the city (with the possibility of widening the search field), the maximum rent and the minimum number of rooms.
When the list of available properties appears, take the time to read each one and do not stop at the photos alone. In addition to the essential criteria of surface area, rent and location, the advertisement will specify whether the property is completely free or whether it is a lease-take-over with its own conditions. Why not opt for a lease takeover in the context of a first flat rental, but you still need to know what the remaining lease term is. Select the property or properties which, in addition to ticking all the boxes, seem to meet your expectations. Pay particular attention during the visit. When you visit a rental flat for the first time, you can tend to get carried away and forget the essentials. Is the flat in good condition? How is it exposed? Is it sufficiently well insulated? Is the environment pleasant? Are shops and public transport within reasonable distance? Can you park your car easily? Check the most important elements, even if it means making a list, before committing yourself.
It is important to say a word about putting together a rental file, because if you have indeed found the right person, that first flat rental could go by the wayside if your file is not complete or if your income is insufficient. A salary of at least three times the rent is required and you will need to provide an extract from the debt register to prove that you have no debts.
This article is not exhaustive and does not engage the responsibility of its author.
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