Swiss apartment handover: report and defects
Inspect the apartment room by room at move-in and move-out, record defects, meter readings and keys, take dated photographs and obtain a copy of the report.
Direct answer: how should you document the apartment?
Inspect the apartment room by room at move-in and move-out, record defects, meter readings and keys, take dated photographs and obtain a copy of the report. Notify initial defects promptly. At move-out, condition resulting from proper contractual use is not the same as a brand-new condition.
Move-in and move-out serve different purposes
The move-in report proves pre-existing defects and wear.
The return report records condition, keys and disputed items.
Record facts; do not sign a blank or unclear liability admission.
Photograph overview, detail and scale, retaining original files.
Add reservations to the report before signing.
1. Move-in: the starting condition
Check walls, floors, windows, plumbing, appliances, storage and balcony.
Record meters and every key.
Describe the location, extent and functional effect of each defect.
Preserve original photographs and short videos.
Report omitted defects in writing and retain proof of delivery.
Articles 258 and 259a–259i of the Code of Obligations may provide remedies for initial and later defects. Water ingress, mould, electrical faults or other serious issues should be reported immediately.
2. Move-out: return and responsibility
Under Article 267, the tenant returns the property in the condition resulting from proper contractual use. Article 267a requires the landlord to inspect it on return and immediately notify defects for which the tenant is considered responsible, subject to hidden defects.
A Federal Housing Office tenancy-law decision explains that signing a handover form alone does not automatically establish liability for every listed item. Condition, responsibility and cost remain separate questions.
3. If the report is disputed
Mark any unaccepted item as disputed.
Keep original photographs unchanged and backed up.
Request the report and attachments the same day.
Send a short written objection referencing the lease and photographs.
Use the dedicated guide for deposit deductions or formal proceedings.
4. Next steps
Use the deposit-return guide for bank release, the rental-disputes guide for defects or claims and the contract guide before signing a new lease.
Last factual review: 4 August 2026. Report formats and local practice vary; a signature does not create automatic liability for every item.
In Brief
Document move-in and move-out room by room and retain original photographs. Ordinary wear is not a new-condition standard, and a signature alone does not determine every liability issue.
Key Takeaways
- Document move-in and move-out separately.
- Record defects, meters and keys.
- Preserve original photographs.
- Ordinary wear is not a new-condition standard.
- Reserve disputed items before signing.
- Obtain the report the same day.