That I'm a good judge of character (and arrogant and pompous).

I politely request that everyone RESPECT everyone. This is not a teenagers forum. It is an adult forum. Everyone is expected to treat folks with respect.

That should not only be the way you conduct your forum manners but life in general but I am not your mamma.

With that in mind, I climb back up on my little mod's soapbox

I don't want to insult your husband but I find it rather shocking that he let the landlord and the potential new tenants get away with the behavior you mentioned!

When I first read your first posts I figured there were some issues like language barrier, you being from a foreign country, not knowing the local laws, etc. involved, but reading that your husband is Swiss, that's obviously not the case here.

As others have pointed out, the widely used standard Zurich rental contract stipulates 48h advance notice and clearly limits the times and days you're required to show the apartment. But of course that's all worthless if tenants don't stand up for their rights.

I have a Swiss Husband, ` I Rest my Case "
Thanks to all the members who have been extremely helpful and Constructive with their advice. For the ones who have not, all I can say I am glad you are not Land Lords, (or are ever likely to be!)
We are Landlords back home, I don't think our tenants know how lucky they are in our country.

Cheers

You are quite right, and it is unfortunate that there has been a bit of winding up here.
Sorry but I didn't start it (Just Kidding!!)
Cheers Happy New Year

With regards to being a 'pushover' and 'placating' your landlord, my experience is the opposite - make yourself clear, polite, and make it obvious that you know the rules and will stick to them - and you'll get your bond back. Be a pushover and the landlord will try it on.

On the one hand, soon as he gets a new tenant, pressure is off, and no more visits, on the other hand, you've already paid your lease to the end of the month, so he has more than enough time to find a suitable tenant and having people come through at inconvenient times sounds more like a disorganised landlord rather than an over-enthusiastic tenant.

In this scenario, I'd blame my husband more than the landlord. If you don't say 'no' then you can't really complain about it afterwards...

You know this all could just be cultural too.

Like the personal space etiquette, public transport, queuing etc etc

Merely saying no or agreeing yes and changing your mind an hour before will be more than accepatable. You might feel your not being your normal self and offering your normal courteousy but when in Rome and all that.

Like the whole getting stressed with people seemingly having little self awareness on trams and trains yet stating or shouting move or whatever is deemed normal correspondence, whereas in the UK and perhaps Australia you are more tactful and respectful. The difference being the Swiss don't stew on such altercations while we sit there thinking what an arse, it's just how it is.

AussieNanny, if you're that worried that the landlord gives you trouble when handing over the apartment, you could arrange for an expert from the tenant's association to attend the handover.

It's probably on rather short notice now, but since you're leaving mid-month there might be someone available.

http://www.mieterverband.ch/zh_whgabgabe.0.html

Following posts on this thread have to be on topic, folks.

Sorry girl, but you'll have to get real here. When is the last time you rented a flat in Australia? Or looked into what rights tenants have in Australia? I have rented in both Switzerland and Australia and spent many hours studying the involved laws and contracts as I was in many cases shocked what landlords are able to do. I've had some absolutely shocking situations in Australian rental apartments - like landlords ignoring complaints about broken bathroom fans for months and then trying to charges us a few thousands dollars for a mouldy bathroom until we got the union involved.
Or a door that was sooo crocked because the base of the house had big structural issues that the front door did no longer close (!) and it took two weeks of constant calls to the landlord until we could close out front door once more.

Or have you ever looked into the issue of long-term rent in Australia? Ever lived in a place and got notice from the landlord that he will increase the rent by 30% for next year and if you're not happy you'd have to move out by the end of the year.

I'm not trying to say that the Swiss system is perfect. I know there is always potential for conflict for tenants and landlords but for gods sake get off your high horse and stop presenting something as paradise when it clearly isn't. Thank you.

As relevant suggestions have, I think, been given and this thread goes off rails as soon as anyone posts, I'm closing it for now.
I'd like to hear how this turns out and would be grateful to hear the conclusion later. AussieNanny - ask a Mod to re-open so that you can add the results please.