Housing

The majority of people in Switzerland live in rented flats. As land is scarce, few flats are vacant, especially in urban areas.

Rent is high. One household typically spends around a third of their income on rent, so it may be worthwhile to consider accomodation outside the city centres. Smaller towns and villages are usually well connected to public transport.

Flats and houses are advertised on numerous property websites and in local newspapers.

Since many flats are not advertised publicly, it can also be helpful to ask friends, relatives, or colleagues.

Links: 

alle-immobilien.ch / Real estate advertisements for Canton Zug (DE)

If you are interested in a flat, contact the landlord or property management company and arrange a viewing appointment.

To apply for a flat, you generally need to complete an application form. Most landlords also require:

• an extract from the register of debt collection proceedings (Betreibungsregisterauszug). You can obtain the extract from the competent debt collection office (Betreibungsamt) in your municipality of residence.
• basic information regarding your income, to check your ability to pay rent.

As there are often many applicants for one flat, it is advisable to apply for several flats at the same time.

Links: 

List "Addresses and opening hours of the debt enforcement offices in the Canton of Zug" (DE)

The purchase of apartments or houses by foreign nationals in the Canton of Zug is regulated by law and depends on their residence status.

Further information is provided by the competent land registry office (Grundbuchamt).

Links:

Kanton Zug / Further information (DE)

ch.ch / Further information

Landlords and tenants usually sign a written rental agreement. An oral agreement is possible and binding, but not recommended.

All rental contracts are subject to the legal provisions of the Swiss Code of Obligations (Obligationenrecht, OR).

Links:

ch.ch / Further information

Example "Rental Agreement" (DE)

Rent generally comprises the net rent as well as additional costs (e.g. heating, hot water). Additional costs may be charged only if they are listed in the rental agreement.

Rent is usually paid monthly in advance. A rent increase is only permitted in justified cases and must be announced in advance by the landlord using an official form.

If the rent increase seems unjustified, tenants can contact the arbitration authority for tenancy and leasing law (Schlichtungsbehörde) within 30 days.

Landlords can also request a security deposit (Kaution) of up to three months’ rent, which is returned when the tenant moves out, provided there are no damages.

Links:

Kanton Zug / Contact information for the arbitration authority for tenancy and leasing law

ch.ch / Further information
 

When moving into a new flat, a handover report (Wohnungsabnahmeprotokoll) should be completed together with the landlord. This document records any existing defects to ensure that the new tenants are not held responsible for damages caused by previous occupants.

Anyone who keeps pets should check in advance whether they are allowed in the flat.

Note: You must register with your municipality of residence (Wohngemeinde) within two weeks of moving in.

Links:

ch.ch / Further information on registering with the community of residence

Tenants must pay for minor repairs and replacements (e.g. a shower hose or soap dish). Larger repairs are normally paid for by the landlord.

If the tenant is responsible for the damage, they must cover the costs themselves. A personal liability insurance policy is advised in these cases.

For larger changes to the flat (e.g. painting walls), you should contact the landlord.
In the case of major defects (e.g. a broken heater, washing machine, or construction noise), tenants have the right to a rent reduction until the issue is resolved.

Links:

ch.ch / Further information

Tenants and landlords can terminate a flat rental only on specific dates during the year. In the Canton of Zug, the termination dates are 31 March, 30 June and 30 September.

A termination letter must be submitted in time. The notice periods and termination dates are stated in the tenancy agreement. For flats, the minimum notice period is three months.

If the landlord terminates the tenancy, they must use an official form. Tenants then have 30 days to appeal to the arbitration authority for tenancy and leasing law (Schlichtungsbehörde).

Links:

Kanton Zug / Contact information for the arbitration authority for tenancy and leasing law

ch.ch / Further information

In some buildings or neighbourhoods, neighbours maintain an active relationship, for example by organising gatherings or celebrations. In other places, contact is less common.

When moving into a new place, it is a good idea to introduce yourself personally – this is quite common and often appreciated in the Canton of Zug.

If neighbours prefer to keep to themselves, this should be respected. In that case, focus on friendly and considerate cohabitation.

There are also many other ways to meet local people, such as joining clubs, attending courses, or participating in community events.

Almost every apartment building has house rules (Hausordnung), usually provided together with the rental agreement.

These rules set out how residents share communal areas such as laundry rooms, drying rooms, or bicycle storage areas, and how they live together respectfully.

In Switzerland, following the house rules is considered very important. Quiet hours are generally also regulated by law.

Links:

ch.ch / Further information on quiet hours

If other residents do not follow the house rules and you feel disturbed, it is best to speak directly with the person involved first.

If this does not help, you can contact the landlord or property management company.
In serious cases, you can also call the police (phone 117).

You should always contact the police if you witness violence in another flat or are concerned about a neighbour’s safety.

In Switzerland, every household must pay a radio and television fee.

This money finances the public broadcasting service in Switzerland (SRG SSR) and private radio and television stations.

The fee is charged per household. It does not matter whether there is a radio, a television or another device.

The company Serafe automatically sends the bill to each household.

Some households do not have to pay the fee. For example:

• people who receive supplementary benefits (EL) to the AHV or IV
• deafblind people
• people with diplomatic status

People who receive supplementary benefits (Ergänzungsleistungen) or who are deafblind can apply to Serafe for an exemption from the fee.

More information is available on the Serafe website.

Links: 

Serafe / Further information

SRG SSR / Further information

There are many providers in Switzerland offering telephone, internet and cable TV connections. Some operate only in specific regions.

The available offers depend on the location and sometimes even on the building infrastructure. It is worth comparing prices and services, as they can vary significantly.
Anyone wishing to install a satellite dish should first check with their landlord.

Internet connections in Switzerland are generally fast and stable. There are only a few Internet cafés, as almost all households have their own internet access.

Separating waste helps to protect the environment and save money.
There are collection points and regular pick-ups for recyclable or environmentally harmful waste such as:

• Paper, cardboard, glass, batteries, aluminium, metal, textiles, green waste, and used oil.

These materials must not be disposed of with household waste.

Each municipality provides a waste disposal plan or waste calendar. It lists which types of waste can be disposed of, when, and where.

• Plastic bottles (PET) and many other types of packaging can be returned free of charge at almost all shops.

It is forbidden to burn waste or to dump it in unauthorised places.
 

Links:

Recycling-Map / Interactive map of collection stations

Waste that cannot be recycled (household waste) must be disposed of in official waste bags or bags with waste stickers.

The price of these bags or stickers already includes a disposal fee. Each municipality has its own bags or stickers, which can be purchased in shops, supermarkets, or directly from the municipal office.

Waste bags must be placed on the street or at the designated collection point only on specified collection days. Leaving waste out on other days is not permitted.

In apartment buildings, there are often shared waste containers. Your municipality or neighbours can provide further information.

Hazardous waste (Sonderabfälle) must be disposed of seperately because it may contain toxic substances that can harm the environment.

This includes items such as:

• Paints, chemicals, batteries, electrical appliances, energy-saving lamps, and expired medicines.

These materials must never be thrown away with household waste.

They can usually be returned to the place of purchase. Manufacturers and retailers are obliged to take back hazardous waste free of charge.