What should you do if you need to leave an apartment during the term of a lease ?

Leaving an apartment before its lease is up can be a stressful time. But there’s no reason to panic. It also represents an exciting opportunity to move to pastures new.

Follow this guide to make sure everything goes smoothly and you are able to leave your apartment with complete peace of mind. It tells you all the steps you need to take for a hassle-free exit.

And smile as you embark on the next chapter in your life !

Stage 1 : Find out how much notice is required to terminate your lease

How much notice do you need to give to terminate a lease?

The standard notice required in Switzerland is three months, but there are some exceptions to this rule. Have a look at the terms and conditions of your lease to avoid any nasty surprises.

Can you leave your apartment before the notice period ends ?

If you want to leave your rental apartment without seeing out the notice period, that can be done too. However, you will have to keep paying the rent until your lease expires. To free yourself of this obligation, you need to find a solvent tenant who is willing to take over your lease on the same terms and conditions.

Get in touch with your landlord and let them know your intention as soon as possible. After that, you simply need to send on the supporting paperwork for the solvent potential tenants you have found.

What criteria does the ideal tenant need to meet ?

The would-be tenant must agree to the existing lease terms: the rent, the term and other details. What’s more, the potential tenant must satisfy certain criteria if you want to be freed from the lease. Here are some points you need to check to find the ideal tenant :

• They should not have substantial debt or legal actions being taken against them (don’t forget to provide a certificate from the debt collection register)
• Net income of at least three times the rent

Tips and advice

Select would-be tenants who have the best chance of being accepted by the landlord. For example, potential tenants who might cause a disturbance to the neighbours, such as a rock group or a large family in a small 50 m2 apartment, would stand a reduced chance of being accepted.

Stage 2 : draft your notice letter

What should you include in the notice of lease termination ?

The letter giving notice on the lease must include your full contact details, those of the landlord, the start and end date of the notice period and your signature.

Model letter

[Your full name]

[Your address]

[Postcode, town/city]

[Date]

[Landlord’s name]

[Landlord’s address]

[Postcode, Town/city]

Re: Termination of the lease [document no.] at [number and street]

Dear Sir or Madam,

I hereby inform you of my decision to terminate the lease for the property located at [property’s address], which I have rented since [start date of the lease]. Pursuant to the terms and conditions of my lease, I will observe a notice period of [length of notice period] months, taking effect from [start date of the notice period].

I kindly request that you inform me as soon as possible of the date of the final inventory at the apartment and the dates on which potential future tenants could take over the lease.

Please confirm receipt of this letter in writing.

Yours faithfully,

[Your signature]

[Votre signature]

Stage 3 : send your notice letter

How do you give notice on your lease ?

Once you’ve prepared the termination letter, make sure you send it by registered mail or hand-deliver it in return for a receipt to keep a record of its delivery.

When should you send your notice letter?

Don’t forget to factor in the notice period when you send in your letter of termination. We recommend that you add in a safety margin of 7 days to make sure your request complies with the required timescales.

If you need help with determining the precise time when your termination letter should reach your landlord for it to be valid on by the desired date, please consider using the online calculator.

Stage 4: get ready for the final inventory

Why carry out a final inventory before leaving an apartment ?

A pre-exit inventory is crucial because it can help to avoid any disputes arising from the property’s condition. It provides an accurate picture of the state of the property and determines whether any repairs or renovation work are required.

How can you prepare for the pre-exit inventory ?

Make sure that you deep-clean your apartment  and repair any damage to reduce the risks of any dispute. Be certain to compile all the crucial documents, such as the lease and the meter readings to simplify the final inventory.

Stage 5 : get your rental guarantee back

How long does the landlord have to return your security deposit ?

If your apartment is in good condition, the landlord must return the full rental guarantee when the lease comes to an end. However, if it has been damaged or there is unpaid rent, the landlord has 12 months to return the guarantee deposit from the end of the lease. Find full details about how to secure the return of your security deposit.

Stage 6 : prepare for your move

What can you do to prepare successfully for your move ?

To start with, draw up a timetable with the key dates, such as lease termination, moving day and the relevant services, such as truck rental.

Then apply a methodical approach to sort through and pack up your belongings, starting with the items you use the least. Don’t forget to clearly label every box to facilitate unpacking once you move into your new place.

Lastly, make sure you inform the post office, banks and other key organisations of your change of address. If properly organised, moving can be a smooth process. For more advice, have a look at our article on Hassle-free moving in 6 stages.

FAQ

1. Can you leave your apartment without giving notice?

We strongly recommend that you don’t leave your apartment without giving your landlord prior notice. That may be regarded as a unilateral breach of the lease, potentially with legal and financial implications.

Even so, in extreme circumstances such as health and safety issues, you are advised to consult a property law specialist who can inform you of your rights and obligations.

2. When does the notice period start running?

The notice period usually starts running from the date on which your landlord receives your letter giving notice. That’s why it’s important to send it by registered letter or to hand-deliver it in return for a receipt evidencing delivery.

3. How can you shorten the notice period for your lease?

In specific cases, you can shorten the notice period for your lease. For example, if you are transferred to a new workplace, if you lose your job or if you find a new job that begins before the notice period ends. It’s important to provide the necessary supporting documents to your landlord to qualify for this shorter notice period.

4. How can you withdraw from your lease while staying within the rules?

To put an end to your lease without breaking the rules, it’s vital to fulfil the duties laid down in your lease agreement. That includes providing advance warning that you are giving notice, carrying out the final inventory and returning the keys by the agreed deadlines.

Summary

Moving out of a rental apartment may seem complicated, but if you follow these steps, it will make your life easier and you will be able to leave with complete peace of mind.

By complying with the contractual obligations and communicating effectively with your landlord, you will be able to move out without any nasty surprises and to embark confidently on the next stage in your life. If you have any questions, ask a property lawyer for assistance. They will be able to provide you with the personalised advice you require.

We wish you all the best with your future living arrangements !