How to reclaim your rental deposit – a step-by-step guide

In principle, the rental deposit is released after the end of the tenancy, provided that the landlord has no outstanding claims. These include unpaid rent, utility costs or damage to the property that goes beyond normal wear and tear.

The bank may only close the rental deposit account under certain conditions: if both parties – tenant and landlord – agree to the release, if there is a legally binding court decision, or if no claim has been filed by the landlord within one year of the end of the tenancy.

The first and most important step begins at the apartment handover itself. Attend the handover and insist on a written handover report. Document the condition of the apartment with photographs. Clearly distinguish between normal wear and tear and actual damage.

Normal wear and tear – such as minor marks on walls, floors or fittings – must be accepted by the landlord. They may not make deductions from the deposit for these. Only damage that goes beyond normal wear and tear can lead to deductions.

After the apartment handover, you should request the landlord in writing to release the rental deposit. Ideally by registered letter. Set a reasonable deadline of 30 days. The landlord must inform you within this period whether and to what extent they are making claims.

If the landlord has no legitimate claims, they must confirm the release to the bank in writing. Both parties must sign the bank's release form so that the money can be paid out.

If the landlord does not respond or refuses the release without justification, you have several options. First, you can send a reminder by registered letter. If the landlord remains inactive, you can contact the conciliation authority. This procedure is free of charge in most cantons.

Important to know: if the landlord does not file a claim within one year of the end of the tenancy, the deposit is automatically paid out to the tenant. The bank is then obliged to release the money – even without the landlord's consent.

The most common reasons landlords make deductions from the rental deposit are repairs due to tenant damage, outstanding utility bills and cleaning costs. However, not all deductions are justified.

With rental deposit insurance from goCaution, you do not need to deposit thousands of francs into a blocked account. Instead, you pay an affordable annual premium and retain your liquidity. At the end of the tenancy, the often tedious process of reclaiming the deposit is eliminated, as there is no bank deposit to be released.