Before you move in, several steps are mandatory in Switzerland as elsewhere, notably the signing of the lease and the inventory of fixtures on arrival. When the lease is terminated, this inventory of fixtures will be compared to the inventory of fixtures at the end of the rental period to determine any damage that you must pay for. But what should you check for in this inventory of fixtures? Here are some answers.
The inventory of fixtures in Switzerland is an essential step when renting a property. It is generally organised on the day of entry and the handing over of the keys to the tenant.
Each room, facility and equipment is noted on a document. The exhaustive list of equipment is sifted to determine the general condition of the property and the furniture provided. It is the landlord who transcribes this information, with the agreement of the tenant, onto the inventory form.
All potential signs of deterioration and defects in the dwelling should be recorded in the form. The exact condition of the facilities should be defined: new, very good, good, average, bad.
The form for the inventory of fixtures on arrival in Switzerland is drawn up in duplicate and must be signed by both parties. At the end of the procedure, one copy is given to the landlord and the other to the tenant. The document must be kept by both parties until the lease expires or is terminated.
Whatever the type of flat you are renting, it is important to ensure that each room is in good condition. Check the floor, walls and ceilings systematically. There may be cracks in the walls, cracked or damaged tiles, or traces of water damage on the ceiling. Also check the functionality of electrical outlets and light points. Open and close all exterior and interior windows. It is also advisable to ensure that the toilet flushes work properly and that the taps have sufficient flow. It is essential that you make a careful note of every fault, because if the landlord is not very careful when you enter the property, he or she may be particularly vigilant when you leave and notice faults that were already present at the beginning of the lease, which would have the effect of making you pay for repairs for which you were not responsible.
Entry inventory of fixtures, what to check in a furnished apartment
If the flat to be rented is furnished, then the inventory of fixtures is even more important. Simply because the furniture and equipment in a furnished apartment must also be carefully observed. And these are numerous: chairs and table, sofa, bed, duvet, pillow, kitchen utensils, crockery, oven, fridge, hob, small appliances, lights, etc.
In short, the inspection for a furnished house is more time-consuming. In theory, you have to count the number of spoons, glasses or bowls and check that the plates are not chipped, for example. In reality, it is difficult to check every single item. So you have to trust your instincts. If something catches your eye, keep looking. Often everything is in order and a relationship of trust between landlord and tenant can be established.
If your inventory of fixtures in Switzerland concerns a house, it will naturally also be necessary to consider the condition of the exterior parts such as the gate, the garden shed, the terrace... Exterior elements may also need to be checked if the flat has a balcony or if it is, for example, a garden level.
To make sure that you have thought of everything, you can prepare a small memo beforehand to consult during the inspection visit or afterwards to make sure that you have not forgotten anything. There are still a few things we haven't mentioned yet. Remember to check the number of keys and their correct functioning. The inventory of fixtures on arrival in Switzerland is also an opportunity to read the water, electricity and possibly gas meters. Finally, don't hesitate to take a camera to capture any defects observed and, if possible, a blood pressure meter to check that the sockets are properly connected. Finally, it is best to visit during the day. Natural light will reveal defects more easily.
This article is not exhaustive and does not engage the responsibility of its author.
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