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| In terms of having a dog. Do you normally pay a annual deposit or a monthly fee while renting, or both? If so anyone have any price ranges? | |
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Most landlords will require a tenant - dog owners and non-owners alike - to put down a deposit; the amount varies from 1 to 3 months. We were required to put down 3 months, the max allowed by law. This is in addition to the first month up front, as well as various fees - so make sure you have a good stash o' cash on arrival.
As for price ranges - it all depends on what you need, and on what you are willing to compromise. You may get lucky and be the selected tenant for a flat that is renting for a decent price - or you may need to do as we did: pay well over the odds for a rather small run down house (with a decent garden). This actually proved to be a good thing. No one else wanted a dumpy house at such an exhorbitant rate (this was before the current insane market) - so the landlord was happy to have us, dogs and all. And as the house was not so pristine to begin with the landlord was a little less picky on the move-out.
Have a look at Homegate to get an idea of what is available - and then figure on having at least 4 months' rent available when you sign on the dotted line.
Renters are strongly encouraged to take out insurance against damages by a dog (not all Privathaftpflicht policies cover this). It's a landlord's market, with laws favoring landlords - you will be charged for every scratch, every pawprint. A comprehensive insurance policy is your best investment.
Additionally, you are required by law to hold liability insurance as a dog owner. In KT ZH, IIRC it's a minimum of 1 million coverage. This is not very expensive. (But
not having the proper insurance can be very, very expensive.)
You might think about bringing 'references' for your dog. Seriously - if your dog has any training/good citizen certificates, bring those along. Noise is of particular concern; barking is a capital crime in Switzerland. If you have any proof that your dog does not bark, bring that along. Any thing to show that your dog is lovely, cuddly, perfectly trained - and very, very quiet - will help when you apply for housing.
(By the bye - what breed is your dog? Zurich has enacted BSL; 8 breeds are banned.)
Good luck!