Fees for withdrawing a rental application

Applying for an apartment in Switzerland can be a long process, and sometimes things change. If you applied for an apartment, were selected, but then decided not to take it, you might receive a request from the régie (rental agency) asking you to pay a fee. Many tenants wonder whether they are actually required to pay.

Are these fees legitimate?

In Switzerland, once a rental contract is signed, both the tenant and the landlord have obligations. However, if no contract was signed, there is no legal basis for a régie to charge you a fee just because you withdrew your application. A rental application alone does not create an obligation to pay.

Some régies might still ask for a fee to cover administrative costs, but there is no legal requirement for you to pay it.

What should you do if you receive a fee request?

If you receive a bill from a régie after withdrawing your application, here are a few steps you can take:

• Check what you agreed to: review any documents or emails to see if there was mention of fees.

• Ask for clarification: you can contact the régie and request details on why they are charging this fee.

• Know your rights: if you did not sign a rental contract, you are not obligated to pay.

How to avoid issues in the future

To prevent surprises during the rental process:

• Read all documents carefully before applying.

• Only apply for apartments you are serious about to avoid unnecessary complications.

• Communicate quickly if you change your mind, so the régie can move on to the next candidate.

Conclusion

If you have not signed a rental contract, you do not have to pay a fee for withdrawing your application. While a régie might request one, tenants are not legally required to accept. If in doubt, you can always ask for clarification or seek advice from a tenant association.