Debt collection register extract? A thing of the past.

How to successfully apply for an apartment without a debt collection register extract

It was a bold decision to do away with debt collection register extracts and reference gathering for apartment applications. This change required a great deal of awareness-raising among our clients. But we were convinced that a digital property company doesn’t need a debt collection register extract in printed form or as a PDF attachment. Four years’ experience of the digital rental process has now confirmed that we were right.

In 2018, we introduced the digital rental process for all the residential properties we manage. The figures are impressive:

• We manage more than 12,000 tenant changes every year.

• We receive over 42,000 applications for vacant rental properties every year.

Since then, almost all our 380,000 prospective tenants have completed our application form online. A resounding 93% sign their contract digitally. Acceptance of this online service among our tenants is extremely high. 

Consistent payment behaviour

Applicants’ payment behaviour continues to be an important part of our process. However, this is no longer based on a debt collection register extract that only shows defaults, but rather on a credit check that also shows positive payment behaviour (e.g. punctuality). 

Fast, faster, fastest

Completing the application, obtaining information from the debt collection register, submitting documents by post, checking the application and references – our new process eliminates all these steps, because the online application form is imported directly into our system, alongside the automated credit check. We have reduced a process that used to take seven days to just one day. This is how efficient letting works. And tenants appreciate the simplicity. 

Vacancy rate below the benchmark

Renting out apartments faster means fewer vacancies. Since introducing the digital rental process using an online application form and credit check, Livit has achieved a vacancy rate that is 0.6% below the market average. Even in regions with less demand, we achieve a significantly lower rate than the local benchmark.

Can the process be further digitalised?

Yes, thanks to our myLivit tenant portal. This web-based application provides a range of useful features, is being continuously expanded and will gradually be made available throughout Switzerland from October 2023. Contracts can already be signed quickly and easily using ‘Swipe’. And once you have concluded your rental contract, myLivit is your digital companion throughout the entire rental term. Our tenants can quickly and easily raise any concerns, report damage, arrange appointments with tradespeople and view the status of their reported concerns – digitally and at any time.