Moving02. März 2026|

Apartment handover checklist – how to avoid costs when moving out

The ultimate checklist for the apartment handover in Switzerland. How to avoid costs and disputes when moving out.

The apartment handover is one of the most sensitive moments when moving. This is where it is determined whether you receive your rental deposit back in full or whether the landlord makes deductions. With our checklist, you go into the apartment handover well prepared and avoid unnecessary costs.

Before the handover: proper preparation

Good preparation is literally half the battle. Start preparing at least two weeks before the handover date.

Check the tenancy agreement: read the tenancy agreement carefully once more. What obligations do you have upon returning the property? Are specific cleaning tasks required?
Find the move-in handover report: compare the current condition with the condition at move-in. Defects that were already present at move-in may not be charged to you.
Carry out minor repairs: fill in dowel holes, tighten loose screws, replace defective light bulbs.
Consider professional cleaning: in many cantons, a 'broom-clean' handover suffices. Check whether your tenancy agreement requires professional cleaning.

Cleaning – what is expected

One of the most common points of dispute is the final cleaning. In principle, the apartment must be returned in a clean condition. What exactly is expected:

Kitchen: clean the oven, hob, fridge and dishwasher inside and out. Do not forget the extractor hood and filter.
Bathroom/WC: clean sanitary fittings, tiles and grout. Remove limescale deposits.
Floors: mop or vacuum all floors. Do not wet-mop parquet.
Windows: clean all windows from the inside (outside only if safely accessible).
Cellar/attic: clear out and clean.
Balcony/terrace: sweep and clean.

On the day of the handover

On the day of the handover, the following points should be observed:

Attend the handover in person – arrange a representative only if absolutely necessary.
Bring the move-in handover report.
Photograph the entire apartment once more before the handover.
Note the meter readings (electricity, water, heating) – these are needed for the utility bill.
Hand over all keys and have the receipt confirmed.

The handover report – your most important document

The handover report records the condition of the apartment at the time of return. It is the central document should any disputes arise later.

Read the report carefully before signing.
Have your comments and objections included in the report.
Clearly distinguish between existing defects (from move-in) and new damage.
If you disagree with a finding, note this in writing in the report.
Request a copy of the signed report.

Normal wear and tear vs. tenant damage

Not every mark of use is damage that you must pay for. Swiss tenancy law clearly distinguishes between normal wear and tear and tenant damage:

Normal wear and tear (at the landlord's expense): slight discolouration on walls, marks on floors, wear on fittings, yellowed grout.
Tenant damage (at the tenant's expense): burn marks, deep scratches, damaged tiles, water damage due to negligence.

After the apartment handover

After the handover, keep an eye on the release of your rental deposit. Request the landlord in writing to release the deposit if you have not received a response within 30 days.

With rental deposit insurance from goCaution, this step is unnecessary: since no money is blocked in a restricted account, there is nothing to reclaim after moving out. The insurance can simply be cancelled. Also read our guide on tenant damage at move-out.

Moving02. März 2026

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