Hi Folks,

I have a question about my responsibility to pay for things associated with my flat that are normal wear and tear. I have two examples where the landlord has told me that if it is broken and can be repaired I must pay for it, however if it is unable to be repaired they will replace it. This includes the room darkening window covers outside the window and an older stovetop which will turn on but not allow me to adjust the temperature.

This seems a bit strange to me, any help?

Thanks

There is an organization aimed at protecting your rights when renting...

http://www.mieterverband.ch/smv_dienstleistungen.0.html

I believe if you are a member, advice is free, and otherwise, you pay the 900 number fee (3.70/mn). I had to get in touch with them recently, really helpful and worth the small fee.

I have something similar in my contract in the fine print. Normally there is a finacial limit. I have to pay up to 300 -400 chf to fix the Wash machine, oven etc. Above that, it's then fully paid for buy the landlord. I have to find a sparky to fix 2 of my light switches which stopped working 2 weeks after I moving in to my new pad... I have to pay for that.

There is some helpful stuff in the Sticky at the top of this forum with regards to 'life expectancy' of things in flats.

We will soon be returning our furnished sublet apartment. I have a couple of questions:
1. Is there a similar clause to the UK where 'normal wear and tear' to the apartment and furniture is acceptable and therefore not chargable? Obviously after 2 years the sofa doesn't look brand new anymore!
2. As it is a sublet, does it mean that the lady we rent from will decide whether we get all of our deposit back?
3. There are quite a lot of chips on the door frames etc, should we try to fill repaint these? Can we claim for this on insurance?

Any tips or advice greatly appreciated!

Normal wear and tear is very vague, it does exist however, I believe in the German speaking part it's called "Normal Abnutzung" (normal usage). I wouldn't worry about things not looking brand new, but rather if there is damage to flooring, appliances or expensive furniture. Anything else can be ignored. If the sofa just looks a bit faded and used that might be ok, you could just give it a good wipe (if it's leather) but if there are tears or stains to it then this is not normal usage.
Well this all depends on the sublet contract, your contract is likely to be with the sub-lesser so yes, she will decide, and if you haven't put the deposit in a special account, who is there to stop her?
I would suggest you get the appartement professionally cleaned, or do your atmost best to clean it, chips on door frames, holes on walls etc should be filled in at least, painting is usually not done as you can never match the original colour and it's considered usual wear and tear.

During the handover process you will know and you should be given an opportunity to clean, repair, replace any damaged items etc. so all you can do now is make sure everything is clean. If the handover goes fine and you both sign that it is the case then you should get your money back.

Of course any damage to third party items should be covered by your insurance, so in the worst case scenario the insurance will pay subject to the deductible.

I have been trying to find a definition of whats considered wear and tear in apartment. I am planning to move out of my current apartment which I have had for the last three years. I just want a rough idea what is considered thrashing the place E.g. regarding using the cooker or oven

There's quite a bit of helpful information on the subject on this section of the Homegate Site

If you can cope with the German, this Mieterverband page gives the 'life expectancy' of equipment.

Another German page from the Beobachter on the same theme.

What does it say on the incoming inspection report? The condition should be described.

How old are they?

Certain things are expected to last a certain number of years. For example, kitchen counter tops - X years, sinks - Y years, etc. I have heard of some landlords trying to charge leaving renters for their overdue renovations. Asking them to contact your insurance company often times sets thing straight, unless you really broke something.

Wondering what peoples experience has been checking out of rented places in terms of wear and tear on wooden floors and painted walls. It seems very much dependant on the reasonableness of a landlord ... but what is the norm?

Basically "DON'T TAKE THE PISS"

I know it doesn't help much but:
- if you do a good job of patching up holes they may not notice - if you don't their attention will be drawn to them and will check each wall
- id you don't repair big scratches in the floor - they will notice and then check every floor very carefully
- If you have children who have been creative on the walls - get a painter in
- If you have broken the bathroom glasses - dig out the supplier and order them yourself
- Replace bulbs

If the flat was NEW when you moved in they are fairly tolerant - and know there will be minor damage (having handed one back 3 months ago with a deduction of 30chf on 13,000chf!!!).

In other worlds - engage common sense!

There is an official table for wear and tear (for example after a certain number of years you can't be responsible for the state of the flooring or walls, for example).

http://www.mieterverband.ch/smv_lebensdauertab.0.html

i am realizing its also a good idea to report damages while you are still living in the apartment. obviously not things like floor scratches and dirty walls, but if an appliance has a minor damage or something stopped working, report it early on while they will fix it themeselves rather than wait for when you leave and be held responsible.

We moved out of an apartment after staying there for 6 years. We had rented it out from an agency and they were pretty strict! They had the entire apartment painted (a part of the cost has to be borne by us), got the bedroom parquets replaced and polished. One bedroom had light scratches but that was not acceptable according to them. They also replaced the hand shower as it had a small chip. These were among other things. We have handed over the claim to the insurance and are yet to hear from them.
So what we took away from this experience was to take preventive measures to protect the walls, floors, kitchen counter tops etc. You may invest in some magic erasers for the walls, cover the floors with carpet to prevent dents and scratches coming on them etc. etc etc.. These are all the more important if you have kids and pets.

Floor scratches, rub in some brown shoe polish. Holes in the wall, very carefully fill with Moltofill.

But if you still have items marked down at handover as damaged, then your insurance will pay the bill, minus your Fr 200,-- excess.

The insurance do not pay for cleaning, only damage.

I've read that a few times - isn't it a bit dark though?

Do all insurances cover this type of stuff? I guess I wouldn't claim on insurance for normal wear and tear stuff, I thought it was for when things go bad is there a separate insurance that you have when renting?

This is very useful, but how do you know how old the fixtures are?

We are due to move out soon and we had a chat with the landlord and he seemed to be quite practical about wear and tear. We keep good care of the apartment but there is normal wear and tear after 3 years. However, as Sandgrounder shows, this (like all things in Switzerland!) is very regulated. If you have issues with your landlord and feel he is being unreasonable there are unions which can help