FRANÇAIS
3. Formalities
Nota bene: applying for a particular accommodation does not mean that you will get it ! Some real estate agents ask for an administrative fee when applying. This will not be given back if you finally decide not to take the accommodation.
You can consult the leaflet "Looking for accommodation" edited by USPI Genève for more information.
Documents to be presented to the Régie or owner when registering
- Certificate of non-pursuit (attestation that you are not subject to legal proceedings) issued by the Office des poursuites et faillites (Office of Legal Proceedings and Bankruptcies) of the canton or town. If you have never lived in Switzerland, tell the Régie, and it will waive this requirement.
- Certificat de salaire (salary certificate or the last three salary slips). You will get these from your employer.
- Copy of a valid ID (passport, ID card, legitimation card, driver's permit).
Now that you have the accommodation...
You will have to sign the lease agreement (bail à loyer), pay a rent guarantee or blocked bank deposit, and have an état des lieux (moving-in inspection).
- Le bail à loyer (lease agreement) is a very important document, since it ties you to the landlord for a relatively long period. You should therefore understand all its terms, particularly those concerning cancellation or the contract. You can oder a copy of the lease contract and general conditions (only in French) for houses, apartments and commercial premises on the CGI Conseils web site.
Since 2001, a diplomatic clause has been inserted systematically in leases in Geneva for those holding a legitimation card. In Vaud, you must request such a clause in the lease.
The CAGI housing service will gladly look over your lease, if you wish.
- Rent guarantee or bank deposit: the landlord is entitled to require a financial guarantee from the tenant. More here...
- Move-in inspection: this establishes the general state of the accomodation with the landlord. More here...
If needed you can find more information on the cancellation of leases on the website The Swiss Portal www.ch.ch.
Summary of useful links
- Office fédéral du logement - OFL (Federal Housing Bureau) - (F,E,D,I)
- Conseils et astuces (advice and good ideas)
- Logement et santé (housing and health)
- Brochure "Le logement en Suisse" (Housing in Switzerland) in 11 languages
- Ce qu'il faut savoir pour les locataires (What tenants should know) in 11 languages
- Le Portail Suisse (The Swiss Portal) www.ch.ch (F,E,D,I)
- Marché du logement et recherche d'appartement (Housing Market / House Hunting)
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