Is it possible to cancel your lease without any fees?

In Swiss real estate law, terminating one's lease is done under specific conditions. Among the obligations to be respected, it is necessary to take into account the notice period, as well as the responsibilities of the tenant. Can the termination of a lease agreement be done without having to pay additional fees?

Terminating Your Lease: Writing a Letter Within the Contract Timeframe

Terminating a lease requires certain formalities to be completed. First, the landlord or property management company must be informed of the request. Hence the need to write a letter of termination of lease in Switzerland. In order for this to be considered legally admissible, the tenant must respect a notice period. This is usually stated in the lease agreement. If not, it is advisable to refer to the regulations of the canton. On average, the time limit for terminating a lease is 3 months. If the process is completed within the allotted time, there is no charge to the tenant.

Can fees be avoided for early lease termination?

For personal reasons or force majeure, the termination of a lease agreement can be done before the due date. This is known as early lease termination. From the tenant's point of view, this involves other obligations to be performed, such as finding a new occupant for the unit. The steps, visits and receipt of applications are his responsibility. He then hands them over to the real estate agency or the owner. The landlord is free to accept or refuse them with a valid reason. The repossession of the unit by a solvent resident avoids having to pay fees when one wishes to terminate their lease early.

Rent guarantee: fees to be expected for unperformed maintenance

Terminating a lease may also induce fees related to the inventory of fixtures. Before taking the steps previously mentioned, it is advisable to estimate its integrity, as well as the need to undertake work. In the absence of maintenance of the dwelling, a deduction on the guarantee of rent can be applied to finance the work supposed to be the responsibility of the tenant. Otherwise, there is no charge.

Specialist in the Swiss real estate market, SherlockHomesprovides you with practical advice and all the information you need to terminate your lease free of charge.

This article is not intended to be comprehensive and is not the responsibility of its author.