Handing over an apartment without stress — How to pass the landlord's acceptance

The handover of the apartment is the last and often most nervous moment of moving house. A critical landlord, outstanding deficiencies and the question of the deposit — that doesn't have to be stressful. With the right preparation, you will pass the acceptance process confidently and leave an impeccable impression.

The handover of the apartment — why it is so important

Moving day is over, the furniture is in the new home — but one important task remains: officially handing over the old apartment to the landlord. This moment determines whether you will get your rental deposit back in full or whether there is a risk of deductions for defects, cleaning costs or damage.

In Switzerland, home acceptance is a clearly regulated process. Landlords have the right to carefully inspect the apartment and to charge for justified defects. It is therefore all the more important to be well prepared and to know what really matters during the handover.

What is checked when handing over the apartment

During acceptance, the landlord or administration systematically goes through all rooms and documents the condition of the apartment. The following points are typically checked:

Cleaning and cleanliness

The apartment must be delivered broom clean and thoroughly cleaned be. That doesn't just mean vacuuming and mopping — it also means:

Thoroughly degrease the oven, stovetops and extractor
Defrost and clean the refrigerator
Completely descale the bathroom and toilet
Clean windows inside and outside
Clean cabinets and drawers from the inside
Wipe floors and clean joints
Leave cellar and floor clean

Damages and wear

Here, Swiss tenancy law makes a clear distinction between normal wear and Damages for which the tenant is responsible. Normal wear and tear — i.e. slight scratches on the parquet, faded wall paint or minimal signs of use — must always be accepted by the landlord. However, the tenant is responsible for real damage such as holes in the wall, deep scratches, defective fittings or damaged floors.

completeness of keys and accessories

All keys received upon arrival must be returned upon handover — including mailbox keys, cellar and garage keys. Missing keys result in lock replacement costs, which can be charged by the landlord.

How to professionally prepare the apartment handover

Find a collection log

When you moved in, you and the landlord prepared a move-in report that documented the condition of the apartment at that time. This document is decisive when handed over — it shows which defects were already present when you moved in and for which you are not liable. Find out the log in good time and compare it with the current state of the apartment.

Fix deficiencies yourself — but only your own

Go through all rooms and note down any defects that have arisen during your rental period. Small holes in picture hangers are easy to repair yourself with putty and paint. Scratches on the parquet can be treated with a suitable parquet care product. Defective light bulbs or batteries in smoke detectors should be replaced.

Don't try to hide defects that were already there when you moved in — the collection log will protect you in this case.

Order professional final cleaning

The final cleaning is often the most complex part of handing over the apartment. Many tenants underestimate how high the requirements of landlords and administrations in Switzerland are. A professional cleaning company knows exactly these standards and works with a Acceptance guarantee — this means that if the landlord requests improvements, they will be carried out free of charge.

Gerber Transport offers a professional Building cleaning and final cleaning service , which is precisely tailored to the requirements of the Swiss apartment transfer. This is how you go into acceptance with ease.

On the day of handover: How to behave correctly

Arrive on time and prepared

Arrive punctually at the agreed handover date and bring all necessary documents with you: move-in protocol, rental agreement, all keys and your own copy of the handover certificate.

Documenting everything together

The handover report is completed together with the landlord or administration. Take time for each room and make sure that all entries are accurate and complete. Don't sign the minutes until you agree with the content. In case of disagreement, you have the right to have a reservation entered in the minutes.

Take pictures

Photograph the apartment from every angle just before handing it over — as personal security. In the event of a dispute, these pictures can serve as proof that the apartment was handed over in perfect condition.

What to do if the landlord makes deductions?

If you do not agree with the claimed deficiencies, you do not simply have to accept them. There are clear legal channels in Switzerland:

Call an arbitration board: In many cantons, there are rent arbitration authorities that mediate disputes
Contact tenants' association: The Swiss Tenants' Association advises members on issues relating to the handover of apartments
Don't release the deposit prematurely: The deposit can only be released after the transfer has been completed and all outstanding issues have been clarified

With Gerber Transport confidently through the handover

Gerber Transport will not only assist you with the physical move, but also with the preparation for handing over the apartment. With our professional final cleaning service, the disposal of items that are no longer required and our many years of experience in moving and cleaning, you are in the best position.

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