What is a lease agreement? 3 things to know when you are a tenant

Whether it's an apartment or a house rental in Switzerland, the tenant signing the lease agreement agrees to the conditions set forth by the landlord or property management company before moving in. What are the essential information to remember regarding a lease agreement? Are there any specificities unique to the Swiss real estate market?

Fixed-term or not: How to understand a lease agreement in Switzerland?

A lease agreement usually covers a defined period of time. This time frame is useful, if not essential, for determining the terms of the contract termination. In this situation, the tenant must respect the expiration date by giving notice, which is also specified in the contractual terms. 

If the tenant fails to do so, he or she may be subject to additional fees to terminate the lease. The tenant also has the option of terminating the lease prematurely. In return, he or she must find a new tenant to ensure continuity of the lease agreement. If the lease has an indefinite duration, it is usually tacitly renewed on the contract's expiration date.

Lease agreement: specific conditions and rent payment

The terms of the lease agreement can have specific conditions. This is particularly the case for the following situations:

- prohibition of pets in the rental unit

- consequences of disturbances to neighbors 

- tenant's responsibility and conditions for subletting the property.

Whether it is an apartment in Montreux, Switzerland, or in another city, the lease agreement also mentions the obligation to pay rent. Rent may or may not include additional charges, such as heating expenses. The payment of these additional fees can be made either as a lump sum or by making advance payments.

Additional information for early termination of a lease agreement in Switzerland

The Swiss real estate market has its specific conditions for termination. As mentioned earlier, it is possible to terminate a lease agreement early, subject to finding another tenant. As for the notice period, it is valid for a mutual termination. 

The tenant must refer to the expiration date and notify the landlord in writing. To keep a legal record, sending a registered letter is recommended. Following the guidelines set forth in the lease agreement validates the process and avoids payment of additional fees.

To assist you with your rental process, you can rely on SherlockHomes, a specialist in rental offers and real estate in Switzerland.

This article is not exhaustive and does not engage the responsibility of its author.