Renting a flat in Switzerland – What to do about noisy neighbours – and other questions about tenancy law. What’s your experience in that topic?

Translated article:

>Switzerland is the country of tenants. At around 60 percent, the proportion of rented households is one of the highest in Europe. For many of us, it is therefore a good idea to know the tenancy law well.

>__1. Can I defend myself against the termination of my tenancy?__

>Yes. Tenants can defend themselves against the termination of my tenancy and apply to the arbitration authority for an extension of the tenancy. This is also possible if the landlord claims that the tenancy is for personal use. To do this, the tenant must be able to prove that the termination has hit them particularly hard or that it is difficult or even impossible for them to find another apartment before the end of the notice period.

>__2. What to do if the neighbors are noisy?__

>Whether it is a rented apartment or a condominium, residents must be considerate of one another. Anything that is not excessively disturbing is permitted. There are no objective criteria for determining when noise is considered excessive. Is it an old or new building? Or in which rooms of the apartment can it be used to a limited extent? If no amicable solution can be found, the only option is to go to court.

>__3. Can the landlord keep a key or demand it?__

>No. Not even if the tenant is away for a long time. Many landlords require this, but you are not obliged to do so.

>__4. Damage to the apartment next door__

>When you are on vacation, it is good to know that someone is checking on things at home. Unfortunately, from time to time something goes wrong. A vase breaks or the expensive carpet gets a stain. The law protects well-meaning neighbors. In legal terms, this is called a “favor.” No mutual rights or obligations can be derived from a favor, and therefore no liability claims.

>__5. Can I demand a rent reduction in the event of water damage?__

>Yes. You can demand that the landlord reduce the rent until the problem is fixed. The problem should ideally be reported in writing. If there is no response, you can initiate proceedings with the arbitration authority.

>__6. What options do you have if you are bothered by smoke?__

>It is best to talk to them first. You may also be able to show solidarity with other neighbors in the building. If the smoke pollution is excessive, the landlord must react. If nothing happens, you can try to claim a rent reduction.

>__7. Who is liable for defects in the rented apartment?__

>Tenants must cover the costs of so-called normal wear and tear themselves. This includes, for example, small holes in the wall, shadows on pictures and faded paintwork. Landlords bear the costs for exceptional wear and tear, for example holes in the bathtub, water stains on the parquet or traces of smoke.

>__8. Can I shoot the neighbor’s cat with a water pistol?__

>Yes. Anything that scares or bothers cats is permitted, but not injures them or causes them excessive fear. Anyone who injures or even kills a cat is committing a criminal offense. Valid weapons against cats are: coffee grounds, pepper, hawthorn bushes, water pistols, ultrasonic devices or electric fences.