Apartment Viewing in Switzerland: Etiquette, What to Bring and What to Check

Introduction

Your apartment viewing is a job interview in disguise. Swiss landlords aren’t just evaluating the property—they’re evaluating you. Cultural missteps that might seem minor can eliminate you from consideration before you even submit your application. Here’s how to navigate Zurich apartment viewings with Swiss cultural awareness and make the impression that gets you the keys.

📌 Key Facts: Swiss Viewing Culture

• Punctuality is non-negotiable – Arriving late eliminates you from consideration
• Group viewings common: expect 10-30 other candidates simultaneously
• Quiet professionalism valued over friendliness
• Landlords assess tidiness, seriousness, and cultural fit
• Best time to view: Tuesday-Thursday, 10am-2pm (shows flexibility)

What to Bring to an Apartment Viewing

Essential Documents

Even if application submission is later, bring a complete document folder:

Document	Why It Matters
Swiss-format CV with photo	Shows serious preparation
Employment contract or pay slips	Proves income
Residence permit	Required documentation
Debt collection extract	Most important document
Rental payment certificate	Rental history proof
Reference letters	Character validation
Business cards	Professional touch

Why bring everything to the viewing?

• Shows serious preparation
• Allows immediate application submission
• Distinguishes you from underprepared competitors
• Demonstrates Swiss cultural awareness

Next step: Viewings go better with preparation. Our home search service includes scheduling viewings and accompanying you to them.

Personal Items

• Notepad and pen – Taking notes shows genuine interest
• Measuring tape – For furniture planning (standard practice)
• Camera/phone – Ask permission before photographing
• Questions list – Pre-prepared, thoughtful questions

What NOT to Bring

• ❌ Large groups of friends/family (1-2 people maximum)
• ❌ Young children (unless essential—arrange childcare if possible)
• ❌ Pets (even if property is pet-friendly)
• ❌ Casual attitude or overly casual dress

💡 Punctuality Matters

5 minutes early: Perfect—shows respect for landlord’s time
Exactly on time: Acceptable but doesn’t demonstrate Swiss punctuality
10+ minutes early: May inconvenience landlord
Any amount late: Disqualifying offense

Swiss Viewing Cultural Norms

Dress Professionally

Swiss culture values understatement and professionalism.

Appropriate:

• Business casual (collared shirt, clean pants/skirt, closed shoes)
• Neat, conservative appearance
• Minimal jewelry/accessories
• Well-groomed

Inappropriate:

• Athletic wear or jeans
• Flashy clothing or accessories
• Strong cologne/perfume
• Overly casual appearance

Respectful Behavior

1. Remove shoes at entrance (unless landlord indicates otherwise)
2. Greet with handshake and eye contact (firm but not aggressive)
3. Speak quietly – Swiss culture values calm communication
4. Don’t touch belongings if viewing occupied apartment
5. Ask permission before opening cabinets, drawers, windows
6. Turn off phone or keep on silent

Standing Out at a Group Viewing

When 20 candidates attend simultaneously:

• Arrive early to get one-on-one time with landlord
• Ask 1-2 thoughtful questions (not generic ones everyone asks)
• Introduce yourself briefly if opportunity arises
• Don’t monopolize landlord’s time – respect other candidates
• Take notes visibly – shows serious consideration

What to Check at the Viewing

Look at the flat as you would at a handover, because the landlord must hand it over in a condition fit for the agreed use (Art. 256 CO). Walk through with this list and note every point on your phone or notepad:

Area	What to check
Windows and doors	Seals, handles, cracks, do they close properly
Walls, ceilings, corners	Damp stains, mould, peeling paint, especially behind furniture and in bathrooms
Heating and water	Radiators warm up, taps run clear, hot water arrives, drains are not slow
Kitchen and appliances	Oven, hob, fridge, dishwasher: working, included or not, age
Electrics and connections	Sockets, light switches, internet and TV connection points, intercom
Blinds and floors	Roller blinds or shutters, scratches or damage on parquet and tiles
Storage	Cellar, laundry room, bike room: size, access, who has a key
Noise	Street, neighbours, stairwell; visit at a different time of day if you can

Ask for the previous return protocol and previous rent

If a return protocol (Rückgabeprotokoll) was written when the previous tenant left, the landlord must show it to you on request at handover (Art. 256a para. 1 CO). You may also ask for the previous rent (para. 2). Both help you judge whether the flat’s condition and price are fair.

The defect list and the handover protocol

At handover (Wohnungsübergabe) you and the landlord or the agency go through the flat and write the handover protocol (Übergabeprotokoll). Treat it like a defect list (Mängelliste):

• Write down every defect you see, however small, with the room and a short description.
• Take dated photos of each defect and of the meter readings.
• Do not sign a protocol that leaves out a defect you noticed.
• Keep a copy, and check your lease and its general terms for the deadline to report defects found later; report them in writing.
• If the flat has defects that reduce its usability, you can claim your tenant rights for them even though you took the flat (Art. 258 para. 3 CO).

Official text: Code of Obligations, Art. 256, 256a, 258 and 270 on Fedlex.

Smart Questions to Ask

About the Apartment

• “When is the earliest move-in date?”
• “Are there any planned renovations in the building?”
• “What’s included in the Nebenkosten (ancillary costs)?”
• “Is there a waiting list for parking/storage?”
• “What’s the policy on minor modifications?”

About Building/Neighborhood

• “How is the noise level during evenings/weekends?”
• “What’s the trash/recycling schedule?”
• “Are there shared laundry facilities? What’s the reservation system?”
• “What’s the typical tenant demographic?”
• “How responsive is building management to maintenance requests?”

About Application Process

• “How many other applicants are you expecting?”
• “What’s your timeline for making a decision?”
• “Are there any additional documents you’d like to see?”
• “May I submit my application today?”
• “How high is the rent deposit and where is it held?” (a landlord may ask for at most three months’ rent as a deposit for a home, Art. 257e CO; see our rental documents checklist)

❌ Questions to Avoid (Red Flags)

• “Can I pay lower rent?” (The rent is set in the listing; if you doubt it, use the legal route described above instead of asking at the viewing)
• “Can I sublet?” (Usually restricted)
• “Can I have parties?” (Implies disruptive behavior)
• “Is the landlord flexible on rules?” (Swiss value rule-following)

💡 Viewing Follow-Up
Submit your application immediately—ideally hand it over at the viewing. If not possible, submit within 24 hours with a professional thank-you email.
👉 Learn About Application Documents

Cultural Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Wrong	✅ Right
Being overly friendly/informal	Maintain professional formality
Showing desperation	Maintain composure and professionalism
Criticizing the apartment	Save questions about issues for private follow-up
Bringing an entourage	Maximum 2 people (you + spouse/partner)
Being unprepared	Research property, neighborhood, bring all documents

Professional Thank-You Email Template

Send within 2-3 hours of viewing:

Subject: Application for [Address] - [Your Full Name]

Dear [Landlord Name],

Thank you for taking the time to show me the apartment at [address] today. I’m very interested in the property and have attached my complete application documents.

[One specific positive note about the apartment or building]

I’m available for any questions and happy to provide additional information as needed.

Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Contact Information]

Typical Timeline

Stage	Timing
Viewing	Day 0
Application submission	Day 0-1
Landlord review	Days 2-7
Second viewing (sometimes)	Days 4-10
Decision	Days 7-14
Lease signing	Days 14-21

FAQ

Should I bring a gift for the landlord?

No. This isn’t Swiss custom and may seem like bribery. Professional documents and polite behavior are sufficient.

Can I negotiate rent at the viewing?

Rarely, and not at the viewing: the rent is usually set in the listing. The law does protect you in two cases. You can ask for the previous tenant’s rent (Art. 256a para. 2 of the Code of Obligations), and you can challenge the initial rent within 30 days of taking over the flat if you were forced to sign by hardship or the local housing market, or if the landlord raised the rent noticeably against the previous tenant (Art. 270 CO).

Should I mention I have pets?

If the listing says “no pets,” don’t waste anyone’s time. If it’s unclear, ask politely during viewing: “Is the apartment pet-friendly?” Don’t surprise landlords later.

How long should I spend at the viewing?

15-20 minutes is typical for group viewings. Individual viewings might last 30-40 minutes. Don’t overstay, but take adequate time to assess.

What should I check at the viewing and at handover?

Check windows, damp, heating, water, appliances, sockets and storage, and ask to see the return protocol of the previous tenant (the landlord must show it on request at handover, Art. 256a CO). At handover, record every defect in the handover protocol with dated photos before you sign.

What if I notice problems during viewing?

Make notes, stay neutral and ask a calm question: “I noticed the window seal. Is that scheduled for repair?” If you take the flat, list every defect you saw in the handover protocol (Übergabeprotokoll) and take dated photos, so the landlord and you agree on the starting condition.

Need Expert Support?

Navigating Swiss apartment viewings successfully requires cultural knowledge and professional presentation. Our Home Search service includes viewing accompaniment, cultural coaching, and professional representation to landlords—significantly increasing your approval chances.

Explore Home Search Services | Zurich Housing Guide | Schedule Consultation

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