Renting a flat: the documents your application dossier needs
Which documents landlords in Switzerland ask for, how much rent suits your income and how a complete dossier helps you secure a flat faster.
Sought-after flats often attract dozens of applicants. Landlords and property management companies then usually decide in favour of applications that are complete, up to date and easy to read. If you have your documents ready before the viewing, you have a clear advantage.
What belongs in a complete dossier
- Details about you and your household: names, dates of birth, marital status, number of people, pets, desired move-in date.
- Debt collection register extract: up to date, usually no more than three months old – for everyone who signs the tenancy agreement.
- Proof of income: your most recent payslips or your employment contract; if you are self-employed, your latest tax assessment or a confirmation from your fiduciary.
- Reference from your current landlord: name and contact details or a short confirmation that the rent is paid on time.
- Personal liability insurance: a copy of the policy or a confirmation from the insurer.
- ID or residence permit: often requested together with the application form.
How much rent suits your income?
As a rule of thumb, the gross rent (including ancillary costs) should not exceed one third of your gross income. Many landlords therefore require an income of at least three times the monthly rent. Example: for a flat with a gross rent of CHF 2'000, a household income of around CHF 6'000 per month is expected. If two people sign together, their combined income usually counts.
What landlords may not ask
Under the Data Protection Act, landlords may only request information that is genuinely necessary for selecting a tenant. Questions about religion, health, sexual orientation or membership of a tenants’ association, for example, do not belong on an application form. A landlord may, however, ask for documents such as the debt collection register extract or proof of income.
How to make your application stand out
- Apply quickly, ideally on the day of the viewing.
- Submit everything at once – documents sent later are easily overlooked.
- Write a few personal sentences: who you are and why the flat suits you.
- Send ID and salary documents only to the specific landlord, never to unknown addresses.
How this platform helps you
You create your profile with all supporting documents once. The platform checks the documents and shows you immediately for every listing whether you meet the provider’s requirements. When you send an enquiry, you share your profile with that one provider only – stored encrypted and revocable at any time.
Frequently asked questions
How old may the debt collection register extract be?
Most landlords accept extracts that are no more than three months old. Order it shortly before you start looking for a flat and renew it if necessary.
Does every person in the household have to submit documents?
Documents are required from everyone who signs the tenancy agreement and is therefore liable – for example both partners. Children or flatmates who do not sign usually do not need their own documents.
I am changing jobs. What counts as proof of income?
Enclose the signed employment contract for your new job. It shows your future salary and your start date.
May the landlord ask about my religion or health?
No. Such information is not necessary for selecting a tenant and may not be requested under the Data Protection Act. You do not have to answer these questions.