Cleaning and Handover Process

Züriclean is a leading, professional cleaning company in Switzerland with English-speaking staff. We do handover cleanings with a handover guarantee and stay with you during the handover. If needed during the handover, we can help you with German translations. Please contact us for more details.

Apartment Handover Process

In Switzerland, properties must be handed over in a spotlessly clean condition. It takes a lot of time to clean a property and the time and effort required for cleaning the kitchen and bathroom in particular is often underestimated. Ovens and hobs must be meticulously cleaned, the filter in the extraction system replaced and the kitchen and bathroom taps descaled. Windows must be cleaned on the inside and outside. Doors, door frames, floors and cupboards also need to be washed clean. Holes in the walls (e.g. from drilling) must be filled in. You don't need to struggle with all this yourself, you can arrange to have the property cleaned by a professional cleaning company.

Inspection and defects listing process at the handover

When a property is handed over, an inventory and inspection report is usually drawn up which describes the property’s present condition. This contains a written record of any pre-existing defects for which you cannot be held liable when you move out. If you only become aware of defects after the start of your tenancy, you can also report these to the landlord in writing by registered letter. Defects found after your tenancy starts usually have to be reported within the first 10 to 30 days of the tenancy period.

Your rental deposit

As a tenant, you are usually obliged to pay a rental deposit in an amount ranging from one month’s rent to a maximum of three months’ rent. This deposit serves as security for the landlord in the event of any claims which may arise from the rental contract. The landlord will open a blocked account in your name at a bank of his/her choice for this deposit. Once your tenancy has expired and all rent and additional costs, as well as any damages, have been paid, the landlord must pay back your deposit (including interest).

Changing your address and registration

You must report your new address to various authorities.

Registering with, and deregistering, from the municipality You must deregister from the municipality at your old place of residence or , in the city of Zurich at the District Office at your place of residence and register at your new place of residence. The documents required for registration and deregistration vary depending on the municipality or city administration and canton in question. Please note that you usually have to register within 14 days of moving to a new place of residence.

Redirecting your post You can arrange for your post to be redirected to your new place of residence. Swiss Post charges a fee for this service, which is valid for one year.