Termination, rent adjustment, ancillary costs, defects: the key points of Swiss tenancy law compactly summarised.
The rental contract for residential and business premises is governed by Art. 253 et seq. CO. Tenancy law is mandatorily tenant-friendly — clauses deviating from the contract to the detriment of the tenant are in most cases invalid. This makes Swiss tenancy law one of the most tenant-friendly in Europe.
Rental contracts are valid without any form requirement — written form is customary but not required. A rental deposit may not exceed three months' rent (Art. 257e CO) and must be deposited in a blocked bank account in the tenant's name. Upon move-out it is released after balance clarification — usually within 30 days.
Written form is mandatory (Art. 266l CO), with the use of the official form for residential contracts. A termination without the official form is void.