Viewing.
What to ask before you sign.

More important than fresh paint is what cannot be painted over.

• Damp corners, stains or smells in the bathroom, kitchen and on exterior walls
• Windows: do they close tightly, how old are they?
• Heating and hot water: type, age, how is it billed?
• Noise from the street, railway or neighbours – if possible, come back at another time of day
• Laundry room, cellar, bike room and how they are shared

Write the answers down straight away – and who gave them.

• Is there a handover report from the previous tenant? You may see it.
• How high were the service charges in recent years?
• What was the previous tenant's rent? In many cantons it is shown on an official form.
• Is any work or renovation planned?
• Who can be reached when there are problems, and how?

Can I challenge the initial rent?

Under certain conditions, within 30 days of taking over the flat, for example if it was raised considerably compared with the previous rent. Get advice on this.

Do I have to report defects I see during the viewing right away?

Record them in the handover report at the latest when you move in. What is written there cannot be held against you when you move out.

Art. 256a CO (access to the handover report), Art. 270 CO (challenging the initial rent, form depending on the canton), Art. 257a and 257e CO (service charges, deposit).