My wife and I moved here in September from the US with me on a "L" permit. Our lease began October 1. Today my work and I decided mutually that my contract be terminated and my wife and I return to the US.

We translated as much of our lease as possible, but it doesn't really outline the details of such a situation. I have read many of the other postings, but I am yet to read one for "L" permits.

As you know, by law, we must leave the country shortly after de-registeration which begins pretty much immediately after my work files the legal paperwork this Monday.

Has anybody had experience with this? We will work to find new tenants, but that's pretty much the least of my concerns at this point. Can they prevent us from returning to the US or somehow bring us into legal battles as a result of this?

I expect they will expect you to find replacement tenants and you will be responsible for the rent until the new tenants take over. They can't stop you leaving the country though, in fact if your permit is revoked you will have to.

Well, I guess that's what I'm asking. If we pay March and leave March 15th, what could they possibly do? We're required by Swiss law to leave, and if we're required by law to leave, then we can't be required to pay....

I feel like I've read somewhere that termination of my residence papers nullifies all contracts, but the legal system here can be quite tricky and I'm not sure if I trust the source.

Best is if you try and present replacement tenants to the landlord.

As for those other 'contracts', e.g. telephone, electricity, insurance etc. just write them a letter saying you are leaving the country and include a copy of your de-registration papers, include a forwarding address and request that the confirmation of cancellation be sent to that address (also make sure swiss post will forward your mail to new foreign address) . They (will) / should cancel the contracts. Best if you send the letters registered and keep the receipts with you, just in case.

Most self-respecting companies will cancel without questions. From experience, I have had the most difficult time from the 'telecom' provides, so best to follow up in 30 days or so, after you have left and be prepared to send them the receipt of the registered letter ....

All the best!

Have you posted your flat on the foru or homegate? It will help with finding the next tenants to present to the landlord. Best wishes!

Although de-registering often gets you out of some contracts, even death doesn't get you out of your lease (we have a member who had to keep paying and find a new tenant after a relative died).

You're not the first to be in this situation. It's part of why people on L permits have such a hard time getting flats here - the tenants aren't around for long leases, many bail without looking back, etc.

Please do what you can to find another tenant. Otherwise you're just making it harder for the next person to get a flat. You were lucky because you had help with relocation. Others are not so fortunate.

Some other threads that may have helpful suggestions and links:

1. Terminating contract [early lease cancellation] (6) 21.Jul.2014
2. Lease Termination (23) 1.Jul.2014
3. Giving 'early termination' of lease - question about letter and possible rent change (10) 26.Jul.2013
4. Lease Termination due to Relocation (22) 4.Jul.2013
5. Housing agency does not respond to lease termination request (19) 14.Aug.2012

When you had this discussion, did you raise the issue of your apartment lease? Your employer would surely know that given you recently arrived, your notice to terminate your lease could be a long time away. Leases vary and so does the clause regarding the notice period. These conditions are usually found on page 1 of your lease.

I am sorry things didn't work out as planned.

My brother rented a house in Manhattan for 1 year: He never ended up taking the job, moving to the US or collecting the keys to the house. He asked the agent to find a replacement tenant, however after 4 months of paying the rent he stopped paying. He was sued & had to pay the full years rent.

Cant see how voluntary terminating your residence would cancel any contracts.

I don't see how you think this has any relevance, the mutual bit is the key, you weren't terminated.


Not if you do it voluntarily, and I think it has no relevance for property rental contracts. You will (rightly) be held to the terms of your rental contract, so a nachmeiter is your best bet, or explain the situation to your agents and see if they will accept a settlement figure to release you from the contract given the circumstances.

You must deregister within 30 days prior to your permit expiry. When you de-register, you can also apply for a month extension permit for free (where you can't work, but you can stay in CH).

You joined in may 2013 & have made 7 out of your 8 posts today.

When are you moving? Clearly you want to be able to offload some crap soon