At the end of a rental contract in Switzerland, the apartment handover with final cleaning is almost always required. Without proper preparation, tenants risk disputes with landlords and additional costs. With the right planning, the handover can be stress-free.


Find all to-dos before, during and after moving here: Moving in Switzerland guide.

All important points on rental contracts at a glance: Rental contract Switzerland. Calculate your budget in advance: Moving costs Switzerland.

💡 Tip: Also check out our main moving guide with checklist and planning help:

📘 Plan your move in Switzerland

Apartment cleaning in Switzerland: your options

There are three common ways to organise final cleaning:

  • DIY cleaning: Cheap but time-consuming and risky with strict landlords. Use our final cleaning checklist.
  • Hire a cleaning company: Costs around CHF 600–1500, usually with acceptance guarantee. For budget tips, see Moving costs Switzerland.
  • Combination: Do basic cleaning yourself, book professionals for the final inspection.

💬 Immoswipe Tip

A cleaning company with acceptance guarantee can save a lot of stress. If the landlord is not satisfied, the company takes care of rework at no extra cost. Make sure the offer clearly specifies scope, rework, deadlines and whether windows incl. shutters are included.

Final cleaning checklist: what landlords check

  • Kitchen: oven, stove, extractor hood, fridge, cupboards
  • Bathroom: toilet, shower/bathtub, grout, mirrors
  • Floors: vacuum, mop, remove stains
  • Windows & shutters: clean inside and outside
  • Walls & doors: remove stains and marks
  • Balcony/cellar: swept clean
  • Waste disposal: dispose bulky waste and hazardous materials correctly (Zurich waste disposal)

Apartment handover without stress: avoid disputes

The most common issues during handover are:

Important: Document the apartment's condition with photos and keep all agreements in writing. Clarify in advance what is considered normal wear and what counts as damage (Swiss Tenants' Association).

Save on cleaning costs: 5 tips

  1. Compare companies early – prices vary widely (Moving costs Switzerland).
  2. Do smaller tasks yourself (windows, cellar).
  3. Clear out boxes, furniture and waste before cleaning day (Zurich waste disposal).
  4. Ask neighbours or friends for recommendations (Swiss Tenants' Association).
  5. Look for discounts from cleaning companies and only book what you really need.

Common mistakes during apartment handover in Switzerland

  • No acceptance guarantee: Without a guarantee you pay for any re-cleaning yourself.
  • No documentation of defects: Photos and a written protocol are essential, otherwise disputes may arise.
  • Wrong assumptions about wear: Normal wear is allowed, damage is not – see CO Art. 267 ff..
  • Bulky waste not removed: Cellar or balcony full of rubbish blocks handover. Info: Zurich waste disposal.
  • Not enough time: If you start too late, there is no time left for rework on handover day.

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FAQ: Cleaning and apartment handover in Switzerland

How much does final cleaning with acceptance guarantee cost?

Depending on apartment size, CHF 600–1500. Always compare offers and check the scope of services.

Do I have to repaint all walls for handover?

No, normal wear is allowed. Only major dirt or damage must be repaired (CO Art. 267 ff.).

Can I do the final cleaning myself?

Yes, but you take the risk. If the landlord is not satisfied, you must re-clean or hire a company. Use our checklist.

What should be included in the handover protocol?

All identified defects, open points and the key handover. Both parties should sign the document (Swiss Tenants' Association).