Hi. I seem to have small problem and I would appreciate if someone could advice me. I got a new flat in Zurich. Move in date is October.

When we went to see the flat they said that the Washing machine and tumbler will be included in the apartment. We could not see it because building was still under construction. Also in the material that we received with the description of the flat it is stated : "Waschmaschine und Tumbler innerhalb der Wohnung". Building has no common Laundry room.

After I received an offer I got pretty standard contract with few additional things (no smoking, no sub-renting etc.). No word was mentioned about Washing machine and Tumbler. I signed the contract.

So far so good. However today I suddenly got an e-mail that during my Besichtigungsterminen it was misscomunicated to that we will have washing machine and tumbler in the apartment?!? They said also "but it was correctly written in the contract (no word about it)?!?". Also they offered to buy tumbler and washing machine to all at a discount price (group discount).

So first of all I am wondering is there something I could do about it? Secondly are there any rules that govern what are the landlords obliged to provide to the tenants. Finally what is this BS about correctly specified in the contract (not mentioned at all)? I mean they could also leave out fridge, dish washer and a parquet floor using the same logic (it was miscommunication and not mentioned in the contract hence not offered). Call me crazy but I am completely confused , and I would appreciate any advice. Thank you

Take all your paper work/ contract and the written contents description you received prior to application to the Meiterverband in Zürich.

They will give you advice re what to do now and how to deal with the Landlord & agency.

I have read 1st drafts of contracts - used probably to draw you in - but when you receive the final draft, for signing, certain points/previous agreements are missing, and often people sign without taking their time to find out what exactly is in there and, more to the point, what isn't.

I would of thought, if there are no laundry facilities in the entire building, then the landlord is required to provide you with one

This is a rental, right?

Thank you very much for fast reply.

Yes this is rental.


I mean I must say there was nothing in the contract, I read it over and over. There was normal HEV contract, House order and one pager with information about costs, than some special rules (like I can't sub-rent or smoke in the house etc.) and also conditions of termination. Nothing else.

In the Mieterdossier that I got it was written that the Washing machine will be included. Anyhow I am not so concerned that there is no tumbler and washing machine in the apartment but I am concerned that there is no washing machine and tumbler provided in the whole building. Is this normal?

tell them that there should be one provided for free as agreed (and as not contradicted by the contract) and give them a date for them to provide it by. state also that if they do not provide it by this date, you will buy one yourself and send them the invoice.

What Phil said. Send all this by registered post, so they can't say they didn't know.

Thanks guys for advices! I highly appreciate it.

I will first try to solve it in a diplomatic fashion, since I would not like to start a lease with conflict, but if it doesn't go I will surely take this approach. I just have to check what Miterverbands has to say.