I am relocating and need to write a letter to the regie to inform them about this.

What should I write exactly in the letter? Is it enough to inform them and giving the one month notice or should I give motivations and bla bla bla?

This whole regie thing nakes me so anxious! Apparently not only finding a place is Geneva is a nightmare, but also leaving it!

How do I get rid of my contract?
(it's all in French and I am not sure I get it properly!)

Thanks for your help!

If you check out the Sticky at the top of this Forum, I'm pretty sure there is a letter for this in there. If it is not in French, perhaps the link will give you a guide to its place on another site.

The first thing I would do is become a member of ASLOCA which is an association for tenants. A donation is required, and there is a small charge per consultation. Make an appointment, bring your contract etc and they will assist where they can.

They are very helpful, and will give you clear advice (including form letters) on what to do, especially if your regie or landlord starts misbehaving.

For notice, you usually have to give notice in writing being specific with your date/month of departure at least 5 days before the end of the current month. I strongly advise you to go to the post office and send the letter recommandé, and then also send it to the regie by fax or by email.

Once you have moved all your stuff out, you will have to give the apartment a thorough clean and put right any damage (no matter how minor). There will be an inspection (you can ask a representative from ASLOCA to be present, also strongly recommended) and the regie will try extremely hard to dock as much as possible from your security deposit.

In my opinion the system is designed to be intimidating and always remember that the regie is not usually your friend. Work with ASLOCA, don't let yourself be bullied, make sure that you've done a little work in advance of the inspection, and things should go smoothly.

Good luck!

What a misleading comment, read the bloody contract, it's written down in black and white !

How is it misleading? Did you notice the word usually? Of course specific contracts will have specific terms and conditions.

The OP is having trouble understanding the contract which is why I suggested to go to ASLOCA, where they will help get the whole story straight.

Your answer was, on the other hand, very helpful...

Get someone who understands French to pick the bones out of the contract or type the relevant bits into Google translator.
Usually it's three months notice, and sometimes can only be handed in for the next quarter.
So to include Feb in the 3 months notice, they need to have received the letter by 31st Jan at the latest, however as pointed out, that's cutting it very fine indeed. It should be in their hands by this Friday I'd say.

As for ASLOCA, it's worth to have if you are staying in CH.
However you can judge yourself the condition of the apt and if you've made any damage.
Your liability insurance will pay for all (unintentional) damages, you will only have to pay for cleaning, unless you do it yourself. You will have to cover any excess.

Have a talk to your house warden if you have one, and maybe neighbours, then you may have a better idea what you will be up against at handover time.

I am sorry if I sound harsh - but why did you sign a contract YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND. This is crazy. Each C/Kanton has got its own system- but once you sign a contract the process can be very complicated, and hugely expensive. Get somebody to go through the contract with you and get professional advice, fast.

If I got 5 Rappen for each time that I have asked myself that question on this forum I would have stopped working a long time ago.

Sometime you have to wonder why perfectly intelligent and sensible people do things like that....

I signed the contract because I did understand the big part of it (let's say 95%) and because, being homeless at that time, I didn't have a lot of choices! We had been kicked out of our previous flat because some neighbours complained about us making noise (which was absolutely nonsense, but this is another story!) and we really had to find a new flat asap and you all know how bloody ridiculous is the housing situation in Geneva!

regarding my contract, i think i do understand the "how to leave the flat" part, but since it's a bit strange, the more i read it, the more i have doubts!

anyway, I have already informed the regie, both via email and letter, let's see what the answer.