Getting your deposit backRegistered users

Getting a Swiss rental deposit back: release and deadline

Publisher: svajc.com Knowledge Base3 min readLast reviewed: 8/4/2026

Editorially reviewed

In Brief

The bank releases the deposit with joint consent or a final legal basis. After one year without a legally asserted landlord claim, the tenant may request repayment. Review damage, ancillary charges and bank release separately.

Key Takeaways

Obtain the report and final account.
The deposit is held in the tenant’s name.
Separate disputed and undisputed amounts.
Ordinary wear is not automatically damage.
The one-year rule applies without a legally asserted claim.
Use the cantonal conciliation authority for disputes.

Direct answer: how do you recover a Swiss rental deposit?

After moving out, obtain a detailed return report and written final account, then give the bank a joint release instruction with the landlord. If the parties disagree, the bank does not decide the dispute. If the landlord has not legally asserted a claim within one year after the tenancy ended, the tenant may request repayment from the bank.

Quick facts

Residential cash security is capped at three months of rent.
The bank account or custody arrangement is in the tenant’s name.
Release requires joint consent or a final legal basis.
After one year without a legally asserted landlord claim, the tenant may request bank repayment.
Ordinary wear is different from proven damage.

Review ancillary charges and damage claims separately and item by item.

1. Prepare the release

Collect the lease, deposit-account confirmation and move-in report.
Preserve move-out photographs and the return report.
Provide the new address and bank details.
Request an itemised final account.
Propose written release of the undisputed amount.

2. The statutory release rule

Under Article 257e, the bank releases the deposit with both parties’ consent or a final payment order or judgment. If the landlord has not legally asserted a claim within one year after the tenancy ended, the tenant can request repayment. Ask the bank which evidence and form apply to the specific account.

3. Deductions, wear and insurance

Article 267 requires return in the condition resulting from proper contractual use. Article 267a requires the landlord to inspect on return and immediately notify attributable defects. Ask for photographs, invoices, calculation and an explanation of why the item is not ordinary wear.

Swiss personal liability insurance is generally voluntary, although often requested for rentals. Coverage is not automatic: report the event and let the insurer assess it under the policy.

4. If agreement fails

Request the legal basis, amount and evidence in writing, separate undisputed items and identify the cantonal conciliation authority. The Federal Housing Office publishes current contacts. Use the handover guide for evidence and the disputes guide for procedure.

Last factual review: 4 August 2026. The bank process, damage claim and ancillary-charge account depend on the case documents.

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