immo!nvest chief editor Patrick Ritschard shares some vital information to ease the gruelling task that is the Swiss flat-hunt

Everyone needs a nest – a trendy city-loft, a rural cottage or even just a small room in an apartment. But how to find a new home in a country or city where you have never been before and don’t even know the names of the streets?

Renting an apartment is not the same as buying a new car or deodorant as you cannot simply get rid of it if it doesn't suit. Therefore it is advisable to make sure you see for real what you're going to get before you rent it, although this is not always possible. However landlords offering the better options will usually want to meet their future tenant as well.

The current market favours the landlord, as there is only a very small number of available apartments in the cities where most foreigners start their adventures in this country: Zurich and Geneva. In Zurich for example just 0.04% of the apartments are free, while in Geneva that percentage is probably even less. And what you find on the internet or in the newspapers is usually overpriced or out of fashion. You really have to be in the know to have a chance at a hip inner-city flat. First you have to build up a network and then you will hear of someone who knows someone’s friend who is moving out – then it’s up to you to be first to visit.

However just 2km off the city limits it is much easier to get what you want. And if you choose a place near a train station, you are in the heart of the city within an easy 10 minutes anyway. Excluding of course the very popular (and expensive) locations around the lakes, where the rich and famous have their residences with a view. No wonder – because these are the most beautiful places in the area. Ask Tina Turner or Michael Schuhmacher.

Anyway: If you want to rent an apartment, you have to do it the Swiss way. First: look up the offers on sites such as www.homegate.ch and www.immoscout24.ch, or for a room www.wgzimmer.ch. Or read the insertions in the local newspapers. If you find a place that you are interested in, go and visit it on the announced date or make a personal appointment with the landlord.

Be prepared to fill out a sheet of paper detailing what you are earning, references, pets, kids etc. And be aware: references WILL be tested – it’s usual that a future landlord will talk to your boss or your current or previous landlord. And don’t forget to send the “Betreibungsregister-Auszug” (a document that details any prosecutions) with your application. It can also be useful to send a personal letter with your application. And for foreigners it is also good to have a copy of your “Niederlassungsbewilligung”, (residency permit) just in case they ask for it.

When you finally sign the contract and the day of moving in has arrived, you will meet the landlord in your new home. Together you will go through the rooms and he will write down any visible damage. Be attentive and accurate – anything not noted may end up on your bill when you move out.

If you have troubles, or you want to avoid them, you can become a member of the Mieterverband (www.mieterverband.ch), the Swiss renter association. They know exactly what your rights are and have useful information on the website (although unfortunately only in German).

Enjoy your new home in Switzerland.

[Expatica, 2008]