Checklist for your first apartment

Your rent doesn’t always cover ancillary costs. Depending on the heating system, for example, you may face an extra bill at the end of the year. It’s best to ask your landlord or landlady roughly how much you will have to pay.

Read through the code of conduct and house rules in the rental contract carefully. Be sure to clarify anything you are unsure of. For example, are you allowed to do laundry on Sundays? Are pets allowed?

Think about moving out before moving in: can you only terminate the contract on certain dates? What conditions might apply? Read the contract through carefully before signing.

When you take over an apartment, always ask for an inventory. Perhaps the floor is damaged or the kitchen wall is full of holes? All of these defects must be recorded.

Before you move into an apartment, you usually have to pay a deposit. This can be up to three months’ rent.

Better to be connected than out of the loop: it’s worth registering your Internet, TV and home phone in advance of moving in. That way, everything will be ready when you move in. And don’t forget to have your mail redirected to your new address!

Set up a standing order to pay your rent. This way you won’t have to worry about it after you move in. You can do this easily online with UBS Digital Banking.

Personal liability insurance covers any accidental damages. Household contents insurance will cover you if your furniture gets damaged or your bike is stolen. Depending on the canton, this insurance may be mandatory.

What if the toilet is clogged, you smash a glass or a crack appears in the shower hose? You’ll have to pay for these small repairs yourself. This is usually set out in your rental contract.

What should you do if there is mold in the apartment, the refrigerator acts up or the washing machine starts leaking? Always speak to your landlord or landlady first in case of problems. This is often the best way to resolve things.