We have lived in our current apartment for over 6 years. We are planning to move to a new place in Middle of July.

I know we have obligation to provide 3 eligible applicant who are willing to rent the apartment and handover the apartment as per the protocol.

I am wondering what kind of costs would be arising out of the move. Because we lived in the apartment for over 6 years, it needs some minor repairs and some painting etc. I have household insurance.

What should I expect? Is any of the cost charged partially because of the depreciation arising out of 6 years of use?

any experience or pointer are most welcome

Thanks

After 6 years - I would not pay for anything (if its not broken)
A scratch on the floor or a nailhole in the wall - that is what you must expect from normal life.

The place "just" need to be clean

Is this your experience or your feeling? I totally agree with you, but want to know from some one with first hand experience.

You can expect to cover proportional costs for any damages according to the "Lebensdauer" or useful life of different items in the apartment. Try this online tool from the Mieterverband:

https://www.mieterverband.ch/mv/miet...ertabelle.html

For example, the table indicates the life of carpet flooring is 10 years. Assuming that the carpet was new when you moved in six years ago and there were damages recorded in the move-out protocol, you should pay for (10-6)/10 = 40% of the cost of replacement. This expense would be deducted directly from your deposit (thus terminating your relation with the landlord/agency), and you could then claim for a refund from your household insurance.

I am sure it is covered elsewhere on EF, but my advice:

1. Don't try to fix or paint anything, wait for official inspection (we fixed some items that didn't need fixing)

2. Do join the Mietverband and pay the fee to have them there at the handover, really saves a lot of headaches as they know the rules and are there to protect you.

Good luck

Presumably you have paid 3 months deposit, that you would like to get back. In many cases they are allowed to hold it for up to 12 months.

The place should be ultra clean, pay much attention to both bathroom and kitchen, as well of course to other rooms. Things like replace or make sure the filter is washed for extra fan in kitchen. Leave no rubbish behind.

Not sure of the rules for being in a place 6 years, but if they need to get a painter in, then even 40% will be high cost to you, as well as any time they may need to leave the place empty whilst this is sorted. If you have done any damage and can do it yourself, then do it.

It is worth your while to look at the Housing in General heading of EF for various threads on this in the past.

oh and do not forget about the windows - do they have shutters, they need to be working and clean.

Maybe consider getting a professional company into for the final clean.

Good luck.

You really advocate that?


Simple rule of thumb to ensure you get your deposit back is to look at your protocol, and ensure that the place is largely similar. IE If the walls are bad paint it and get in profi cleaners with a guarantee. A little overkill is better than things getting picked up and the hassle that can cause, especially if they appoint the people to do the work and take a chunk off your deposit. Also as someone else pointed out they can hold the deposit for up to 12 months so doing that bit extra to make the landlord happy is more likely to get you a prompt and full refund.

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How do you know if a Frenchman has been in your garden.... your rubbish is gone, your dog is pregnant.... but at least your cabbages are pest free

I would disregard this part, joining Mieterverband is a good idea though. If you hire a cleaner make sure they give "Übergabegarantie" and have at least one person present during handover so they can remedy things right away. They should also be able to advise on what to fix, holes to cover, etc.

The depreciation table linked to by evaluna is the official one.

Replacement tenants need only be provided if you leave early. Typical cancel period is 3 months, so if you gave notice in early April for the rent to end July 31 and planned to move out during 2nd half of July you don't need to name any replacement tenants at all.