Dear All,

I was wondering what happens to my apartment contract if I leave Switzerland? My contract will end in 2012. In case I can not find anyone to sublet do I have to pay the rent for the rest of the period?

Best,
T

What is in your contract? This is the key of your answer.

of course you have to pay the rent if you just leave. you can sublet it or break your contract by letting them know 2-3 months in advance and proposing 3 other tenants. They will then pick...doesnt have to be one of the 3.

Thats how we did it

Often you just need to find 3 candidates for your apartment (But: the candidates must really want to move in and be appropriate, meaning that for example the rent of the apartment should be reasonable compared to their salary).

Within 30 days of your leaving, you have to send an inscribed letter to the administrators of your apartment, announcing your departure. In parallel, and before that, you advertise your place, and set visit times; the cost of this operation is on you. If you have a nice place, well placed and not too expensive - you can just post it on anibis for ex. or Piazza.

Set up a few visit times, and have ready the info about the agency for the new renters contact them.

They have to submit their names, and the agency will select one; you are not off the hook up to when they have signed the new contract.

These days, there is a shortage of apartments... I could have rented out mine a few times around, it went like a hot-cake...

Thanks all for your comments! I really appreciate it!

You may want to check your contract. I can cancel my contract by the end of the month, except 31/12.
Better check your contract, as you may be liable for January as well, or hand over the keys before christmas, so the next tennant can move in before christmas.

Doc.

Thanks but my contract is in Italian. I'll ask a friend to take a look. Anyway, hopefully I'll find people to take over before I leave. Thanks.

You mean you have no idea what you signed ?

It was not my first choice! When you are homeless in a foreign country you don't have many options!

Hi,
I've heard that you only need to give 1 applicant, not 3, if you want to give 1 mo. notice.
But what happens if you need to leave in a month yet are not finding someone interested in your place to give their name to the mgmt. co.? Could you give the normal 3-4 mos. notice, but then after finding someone who's interested say that you're leaving in a month? We're leaving the country and are hoping to not get stuck with paying rent in two places. Thanks for any help.

from my experience,
at least 1 applicant and 2-3 months notice was ideal...
(not to get charged with anything)
but then again
it really depends on your contract and the agency/house owner

it was really not that hard to find someone to take over esp in zurich

and oh, don't be surprised when you get some bills (heating, water etc) even after a year or so, was told it is very normal here in switzerland esp when you move within the country, hmmmmmmmmmmmm i wonder if they even send that bill abroad???

Hi! We are actually in the same situation, with the move scheduled and still one contract for apart rental with a minimum period clause untill 05.2012. I spoke to a lawyer and what he told us is that in this case the only way out from the contract is to present 1 valid (possible) tenant that is willing to takeover our contract. After presenting it we should give the landlord 10 days to evaluate if this person has a criminal record,etc and if not, even if they decide not to sign with him then you are free from your contract. BUT, for security you should get a declaration from your possible tenant stating that he is willing to takeover your contract.
Hope it helps!

you will have to pay rent for the contract period if you cannot find someone to take over your apartment.