Frequently asked questions

Properties always have to be returned to their original condition before being handed back. Any holes in the walls have to be professionally filled when you are moving out. As soon as the new tenants have been selected, you can discuss with them whether they would like the walls to be repainted in the original colour. If so, the walls have to be professionally repainted.

Yes, definitely! When moving to a new district, you have to notify your current local authority that you are moving out of the district. You can de-register from your local authority at your local residents registration office. The same applies for registering at your new local residents registration office. You will have 14 days to de-register and register. Please contact your local authority for information on the documents you will need to de-register and register.

By the way: you will still have to register your new address at your local residents registration office even if you are not moving to a different district.

The costs involved differ from case to case. Once a property has been handed back, it will be checked against the moving-in report. If there are any broken parts or appliances, the cost for replacing them may be deducted from your deposit if they fall under the minor repairs tenants are required to perform themselves. You may also be charged for any reductions in value.

We recommend getting a parking permit for public parking spaces. However, depending on the region, it may also be possible to apply for parking permits and for parking spaces to be blocked on your moving-in day at your local authority or cantonal police station. By the way: most removals companies will take care of arranging parking spaces or getting parking permits for areas where parking is not normally allowed.

The deposit will only be repaid once all of the costs incurred during the tenancy have been paid in full.

The repayment will only be delayed if there are still questions about certain costs or if they have not yet been paid. These costs usually apply to repairs for damage identified when the property is handed back or to an open ancillary cost bill.

The deposit is normally a maximum of three months’ rent. A deposit gives the landlord security in case a tenant doesn't pay their rent, ancillary costs or cause damage to the rental property.

Any costs for repairing damage or replacing parts are recorded in the property handover checklist and may be deducted from the deposit. Other reasons could be outstanding rent payments or additional ancillary costs that have not yet been paid.

The deposit must be paid in full at least one week before the lease commences.

Livit recommends Firstcaution’s products to its tenants: this company offers both rental deposit insurance and the option of storing the deposit in a bank account. Livit will also accept the submission of a surety certificate. Please note that keys cannot be collected if the deposit has not been made. The tenant is responsible for transferring the deposit on time.

The formula for the relative method of rent adjustment is based on a model developed by the Federal Office for Housing. If the reference interest rate drops by a quarter of one percent, this will result in a rent reduction of 2.91%. In addition to the reference interest rate, 40% of the inflation rate (National Consumer Price Index) and cost increases may also be passed on to the rent. This can vary depending on the contract and the individual circumstances.

The reference interest rate is an indicator of mortgage interest rates in Switzerland. It is used as a basis for calculating rents. If the reference interest rate drops, tenants are generally entitled to a rent reduction.