I applied for an apartment in geneva from a regie. The regie sent me a letter agreeing to rent the apartment to me. But on the letter, it is stated that it will be fixed term contract, and it will end without notice after expiration. I wonder if any people on the forum have the same type of lease. Is it common here? I want to rent for an indefinite time period. Am I in a very bad situation by signing this kind of lease? The landlord can easily get rid of me by not rewing the lease? And what do i need to do if i want to renew it before the expiration? Help is appreciated.

What is your fixed term ? Does it suit your needs ?

I would be very reluctant to sign - there's probably a reason why the owner wants a fixed term - maybe they plan to sell the property, or renovate...

I'd ask them why it's a fixed term....

I don't know much about the common practice in Switzerland. With my previous landlord, the lease is for one year and automatically extended another after expiration. Is this arrangement fixed term or indefinite?

Are there anyone in Geneva area who has this kind of lease? Is it easy to renew it after expiration date

I think it will really depend on individual circumstances. Probably best to go back to the regie that you have already had contact with and ask for the reasons behind the fixed term contract.

It might be something standard for that building and be v easy to extend. It might be due to them renovating etc and therefore not even possible to extend.

The only people who can help you are the ones providing the contract, the rest of us will just be guessing on past experience in different situations.

Maybe the owner is working abroad for 1 year and wants to be sure he can take his home back when he returns?

If you don't like the terms, then don't sign it. I signed one for 5 years with automatic renewal of one year, on the contract anniversary. The fixed term contracts are not usual, but they are not rare.

Look at the situation from the owner's side: if he wants to move back, how can he get you out again? I am certain if the contract is worded this way, that's the way they want it.

I read some articles that said fixed term contract has been increasing in Geneva area. It is easier for landlord to increase rent under this arrangement.

A fixed term contract is just that. No renewal, no rollover.

Before you looked at the apartment did you ask about the rental conditions?
They should have mentioned this.

If you don't want to be forced to move, don't sign. A fixed term contract is great if the term suits you, for example, you have an employment contract for a fixed term, and then leave.

Anyone sign such a contract and have to extend it? Can you share some experience

Things are not that easy. In a tight market like Geneva, you get what you are offered. Some regies use this type of lease to their advantage

No body here seems to have experience in dealing with this kind of trick in Geneva

I would renegotiate the terms with the regie. Hope they would redraft the contract

If the owner only wants to give a fixed term contract, then that is what is on offer. Why he only wants a fixed term is really nobody's business. But, as the regie told you, once the term is finished the contract will not renew. I think the situation is clear. Why do you think it is a trick? On the contrary, the regie is being very up front with you. If you don't want a fixed term contract then just keep looking...But don't bank on the contract being renewed or you will back here bleating about finding yourself on the street.

If the owner/landlord has instructed them otherwise that is unlikely.

If it is strictly a fixed term lease, they should put it in the ad in the first place. Just google. there is widespread practice in Geneva to use fixed term contract by regies to increase rent easily.
My relocation agency also told me it is just a practice here in Geneva. He will renegotiate with the regie.

http://www.hebdo.ch/le_bail_a_duree_...es_92920_.html

Here is an article on this rental trick. It seems the problem only exists in Geneva.

Another related question, if I decide not to sign the contract, do I have to pay the penalty fee, which indicated in rental application that any withdrawal will result in 200 chf and half month rent. I would withdraw only because I do not agree to the rental term. Is it unfair for me to pay such penalty?

If you have a relocation agency that seems to know everything, then why are you annoying us with these questions? Either you trust your agency or you don't...

If it was clearly indicated from the start, then yes, you will have to pay.

But I was not aware at the start it is a fixed term contract. I have to accept whatever term the landlord wants or I have to pay penalty? What kind of system is that?

I don't know what kind of negotiating power the relocation agency has. If I sign it as it is, just want to know at the renewal, how things will be. Want to hear from people have similar experience. It is easy to say don't sigh it and keep looking. But in Geneva, finding an apartment is so hard.

How come? Was it written in the contract that it was a fixed term lease or not?