Properly prepare for the handover of your apartment in Switzerland
Handing over the apartment is one of the last steps when moving. The condition of the previous rental apartment is checked together with the landlord, the administration or a designated person.
Among other things, the cleanliness of the apartment, existing damage, fixtures, appliances and the completeness of the keys are checked. Points identified are usually recorded in a handover protocol.
Good preparation helps to avoid unnecessary discussions, clean-ups and delays. Timely planning, thorough cleaning and clear documentation of the condition of the apartment are particularly important.
Anyone who needs support for cleaning, minor renovation work, disposal or transport can submit a free, non-binding inquiry via 4Offerten.ch. After the check, it will be forwarded to a maximum of four suitable specialist companies.
What happens when an apartment is handed over?
When the property is handed over, it will be checked what condition the apartment is in when you move out.
Typically the following areas are checked:
- ✓ Walls and ceilings
- ✓ Floors and skirting boards
- ✓ Doors and door frames
- ✓ Windows and window frames
- ✓ Kitchen and kitchen appliances
- ✓ Bathroom and toilet
- ✓ Built-in wardrobes
- ✓ Balcony or terrace
- ✓ Basement and screed
- ✓ Mailbox
- ✓ existing installations
- ✓ Number of keys returned
Control is often carried out room by room. Any abnormalities, damage or missing items will be recorded in the handover report.
When will the apartment handover take place?
The appointment is usually agreed between the tenant and the management or landlord.
The handover should be planned so that:
- ✓ the apartment is completely cleared,
- ✓ the cleaning has been completed,
- ✓ all personal items have been removed,
- ✓ necessary repairs have been carried out,
- ✓ all keys are ready.
If you set the date early, you can better coordinate cleaning, moving and possible craftsmanship work.
Cleaning companies, moving companies and tradesmen are often very busy, especially at the end of the month. A timely organization therefore expands the selection of available specialist companies.
Handing over or handing over the apartment?
The terms are often used the same way in everyday life.
The handover of an apartment can mean both the handing over of a previous apartment and the taking over of a new apartment.
The following terms are often used in an extract:
- ✓ Apartment delivery
- ✓ Apartment inspection
- ✓ Rental property handover
- ✓ Key delivery
This article is mainly about handing over the previous rental apartment when moving out.
The most important checklist before handing over the apartment
Clear the apartment completely
All personal items should be removed before the handover date.
Check not only the living spaces, but also:
- ✓ Basement
- ✓ Screed
- ✓ Garage
- ✓ Balcony
- ✓ Redoubt
- ✓ Built-in wardrobes
- ✓ Mailbox
- ✓ Bicycle room, if a personal space is available
Furniture, boxes or trash left behind may result in additional charges.
Items that are no longer needed should be sold in a timely manner, given away or disposed of properly.
Clean the apartment thoroughly
The apartment should be cleaned in the condition that is expected contractually or upon handover.
Need special attention:
- ✓ Oven
- ✓ Steam exhaust
- ✓ Refrigerator
- ✓ Dishwasher
- ✓ Kitchen cabinets
- ✓ Windows
- ✓ Window frames
- ✓ Storen
- ✓ Fittings
- ✓ Shower
- ✓ Bathtub
- ✓ Toilet
- ✓ Processes
- ✓ Floors
- ✓ Skirting boards
- ✓ Doors
- ✓ Built-in wardrobes
Hard-to-reach places should not be forgotten either.
Professional move-out cleaning with a delivery guarantee can make sense if there is little time or a larger apartment needs to be cleaned.
Check dowels, nails and adhesive residue
After removing pictures, shelves or decorations, dowel holes, nails or adhesive residue are often left behind.
Whether and how these have to be removed depends on the condition, the rental agreement and the circumstances of the individual case.
Repairs done improperly can be more visible than the original location. If there is major damage or there are many drill holes, it may make sense to call in a painter or plasterer.
Check walls and ceilings
Check surfaces for:
- ✓ large stains
- ✓ Traces of nicotine
- ✓ unusual discoloration
- ✓ large stains
- ✓ Glue residue
- ✓ damaged plaster
- ✓ deep drill holes
- ✓ self-applied intensive paint coats
Not every normal trace of wear needs to be completely removed. However, noticeable changes or damage may require professional repairs.
Check soils
Depending on the type of soil, different types of damage can occur.
Pay attention to:
- ✓ deep scratches
- ✓ Burn spots
- ✓ strong stains
- ✓ swollen areas
- ✓ damaged panels
- ✓ Glue residue
- ✓ improperly installed floor coverings
Normal wear and tear and real damage are not the same thing. If anything is unclear, the condition should be documented and discussed objectively with the administration.
Check kitchen
The kitchen is usually checked particularly closely when the apartment is handed over.
Check:
- ✓ Function of the hotplates
- ✓ Condition of the oven
- ✓ Cleanliness of the steam vent
- ✓ Fridge and freezer compartment
- ✓ Dishwasher
- ✓ Fittings
- ✓ Kitchen cabinets
- ✓ Work surfaces
- ✓ Lighting
- ✓ existing accessories
If accessories are part of the apartment, they should be complete.
These can include, for example:
- ✓ Baking trays
- ✓ Grating
- ✓ Fridge compartments
- ✓ Ice compartment covers
- ✓ Filter parts
- ✓ User manuals
Check bathroom and toilet
In the sanitary area, attention should be paid to cleanliness, limescale and visible damage.
Check:
- ✓ Shower
- ✓ Bathtub
- ✓ Lavabo
- ✓ Toilet
- ✓ Fittings
- ✓ Mirror
- ✓ Panel joints
- ✓ Silicone joints
- ✓ Processes
- ✓ Cabinets
- ✓ Ventilation
Not every discolored joint can be completely restored through cleaning. Permanent material changes should not be confused with superficial dirt.
Clean windows and blinds
Windows are easily underestimated when cleaning.
Complete cleaning may include:
- ✓ Window panes inside and outside
- ✓ Frame
- ✓ Folds
- ✓ Window sills
- ✓ Roller shutters
- ✓ Slat blinds
- ✓ Guide rails
- ✓ Balcony doors
Outdoor surfaces that are difficult to access should only be cleaned using suitable tools and under safe conditions.
Check the basement, attic and adjoining rooms
Additional rooms are often also part of the rental property.
You should:
- ✓ completely cleared,
- ✓ swept clean or cleaned as specified,
- free of waste,
- ✓ without private installations
be handed over.
If necessary, remove self-assembled shelves unless otherwise agreed.
What repairs should be done before handover?
Not every damage can or should be repaired yourself.
Small jobs can concern, for example:
- ✓ loose door handles
- ✓ missing covers
- ✓ self-installed hooks
- ✓ Glue residue
- ✓ minor visible dirt
Professional support is often more useful for the following problems:
- ✓ major plaster damage
- ✓ deep cracks
- ✓ damaged doors
- ✓ major paint damage
- ✓ defective installations
- ✓ damaged floor coverings
- ✓ improper electrical work
- ✓ Moisture or mold
Improvised repairs can cause additional damage. Electrical, plumbing and complex renovation work should be carried out by appropriate specialist companies.
Normal wear and tear or damage?
An important point when handing over an apartment is to distinguish between normal wear and tear and actual damage.
Examples of normal wear and tear
Depending on age and usage, these may include:
- ✓ slight signs of wear
- ✓ normal wear and tear on floors
- ✓ faded surfaces
- ✓ Minor marks from everyday use
- ✓ Age-related material changes
Examples of possible damage
These can include:
- ✓ deep scratches
- ✓ Burn holes
- ✓ broken components
- ✓ large stains
- ✓ improper installations
- ✓ deliberate damage
- ✓ Missing apartment parts or accessories
The specific assessment depends on the individual case, the age of the component and the previous condition.
Why is the original handover protocol important?
When you move in, the condition of the apartment is usually documented in a report.
This document can be particularly important when moving out because it shows what damage or defects already existed at the start of the rental period.
Before handing over the apartment, you should therefore have the following documents ready:
- ✓ original collection report
- ✓ Rental agreement
- ✓ documented defect reports
- ✓ relevant correspondence
- ✓ Photos from moving in
- ✓ Evidence of repairs carried out
- ✓ Operating instructions or inventory lists
If the original protocol is missing, existing photos or written reports can be helpful.
Take photos before handover
Document the condition of the apartment after evacuation and cleaning.
In particular, photograph:
- ✓ every room
- ✓ Floors
- ✓ Walls
- ✓ Kitchen
- ✓ Bathroom
- ✓ Windows
- ✓ Balcony
- ✓ Basement
- ✓ existing damage
- ✓ Counter readings
The images should be as well lit as possible and clearly identifiable.
Photo documentation does not replace the handover protocol, but can be helpful if anything is unclear later.
What belongs in a handover protocol?
A handover protocol should record the most important findings in a comprehensible manner.
These typically include:
- ✓ Address of the apartment
- ✓ Date and time
- ✓ Names of the people present
- ✓ Condition of the individual rooms
- ✓ detected damage
- ✓ open cleaning work
- ✓ Counter readings
- ✓ Number of keys handed over
- ✓ agreed rework
- ✓ Deadlines
- ✓ Signatures
Read the protocol completely before signing it.
Any unclear or, in your opinion, incorrect formulations should be addressed directly.
What to do if there are disagreements?
Not every handover goes without discussion.
If anything is unclear, we recommend an objective approach:
- 1 Have the complaint described in detail.
- 2 Look at the affected area together.
- 3 Check move-in log and photos.
- 4 Clarify the difference between cleaning, wear and tear and damage.
- 5 Record agreements in writing.
- 6 Do not confirm unclear formulations too quickly.
In the case of larger legal or financial disputes, expert advice may be useful.
Return key in full
When the apartment is handed over, all keys belonging to the apartment must usually be returned.
These can include:
- ✓ Apartment key
- ✓ Front door key
- ✓ Mailbox key
- ✓ Basement key
- ✓ Garage key
- ✓ Badge or chip
- ✓ Laundry room key
- ✓ Keys for adjoining rooms
Copies you have made yourself should also be returned.
Missing keys may require security measures or the replacement of a locking system. Therefore, completeness should be checked early on.
Document meter readings
Depending on the property, meter readings can be recorded on the handover day.
Possible counters are:
- ✓ Electricity
- ✓ Water
- ✓ Gas
- ✓ Heating
Take a photo of the display so that it is easy to read and note the date.
Not all meters are directly accessible or individually assigned in every rental apartment.
Remove nameplates and private installations
Items you have attached yourself should be removed before handover unless takeover has been agreed.
These can include:
- ✓ Name tags
- ✓ private lamps
- ✓ additional shelves
- ✓ Wall mounts
- ✓ Curtain systems
- ✓ Adhesive hooks
- ✓ Satellite dishes
- ✓ self-laid cables
- ✓ additional locks
Particular care is required when making lamp connections and electrical installations. Unsafe electrical work should not be carried out yourself.
Do you want to clean your apartment yourself or hire a specialist company?
Both variants can make sense.
Self-cleaning
Self-cleaning is more suitable if:
- ✓ the apartment is small,
- ✓ the degree of contamination is low,
- ✓ there is enough time,
- ✓ suitable devices are available,
- ✓ There is experience with thorough final cleaning.
Professional cleaning
A specialist company can make sense if:
- ✓ the apartment is large,
- ✓ there are numerous windows,
- ✓ there are heavy lime or grease deposits,
- ✓ the handover takes place at short notice,
- ✓ the move must be organized at the same time,
- ✓ a delivery guarantee is desired.
It is important to agree the scope of services in writing.
Coordinate moving, cleaning and renovation
The order of work influences the process significantly.
A sensible plan can look like this:
- 1 Dispose of items that are no longer needed.
- 2 Transport furniture and boxes.
- 3 Remove or repair dismantled installations.
- 4 Carry out painting and plastering work.
- 5 Complete small repairs.
- 6 Carry out final cleaning.
- 7 Check the apartment.
- Create 8 photos.
- 9 Carry out handover.
Cleaning should generally only take place after renovation work that involves dust or dirt.
This is how the request via 4Offerten.ch works
1. Select required power
You indicate whether you need support for moving, cleaning, disposal, painting or other services.
2. Describe the project
Record the address, date, scope and special requirements.
Photos can help specialist companies to better assess the effort.
3. Confirm email address
The email address provided will be verified. Temporary email addresses are blocked.
4. Have the request checked
The request is checked for plausibility and completeness.
5. Contact a maximum of four suitable specialist companies
The request will be forwarded to a maximum of four suitable specialist companies that match the required service and region.
6. Compare offers
The companies will contact you directly and create individual offers.
You compare services, prices and dates and decide for yourself whether to place an order.
The request is free and non-binding.
Common mistakes when handing over an apartment
Start preparing too late
Cleaning, disposal and repairs take time. Short-term organization can lead to unnecessary stress.
Forget the basement and side rooms
Cellars, attic floors, garages and balconies are also often part of the rental property.
Rework all signs of wear yourself
Unnecessary or improper repairs can worsen the result.
Don't take photos
Without documentation, the condition is more difficult to prove afterwards.
Only collect the keys on the day of handover
Missing keys should be identified as early as possible.
Sign the protocol without reading it
All entries should be understandable and correct.
Planning cleaning and renovation incorrectly
If you clean first and then paint or drill, you may need to clean again.
Apartment handover checklist
Two to four weeks in advance
- ✓ Arrange handover date
- ✓ Search collection log
- ✓ Organize a cleaning company or helper
- ✓ Check damage
- ✓ Plan repairs
- ✓ Organize disposal
- ✓ collect all keys
- ✓ Clear the basement and attic
A week before
- ✓ Mostly empty the apartment
- ✓ Check holes and adhesive residue
- ✓ Check adjoining rooms
- ✓ Check kitchen appliances
- ✓ Gather necessary accessories
- ✓ Confirm cleaning date
- ✓ Prepare documents
A day before
- ✓ Check cleaning
- ✓ Check windows and blinds
- ✓ Check the basement and balcony
- ✓ Empty the mailbox
- ✓ Remove name tags
- ✓ Take photos of meters
- ✓ Take complete photos of the apartment
- ✓ Count keys
On the handover day
- ✓ plan enough time
- ✓ Take a move-in log with you
- ✓ Control rooms together
- ✓ Record complaints precisely
- ✓ Read the protocol completely
- ✓ Have key handover confirmed
- ✓ Keep a copy of the protocol
Conclusion
A successful apartment handover does not just begin on the handover day. If you plan early, clear the apartment completely, document the condition and coordinate necessary work sensibly, you reduce the risk of unnecessary complaints.
Particularly important are:
- ✓ complete cleaning
- ✓ cleared adjoining rooms
- ✓ existing keys
- ✓ Documentation of the condition
- ✓ original collection report
- ✓ clear written agreements
- ✓ realistic scheduling
At 4Offerten.ch you can find suitable specialist companies for moving, cleaning, disposal as well as painting and plastering work.
You just make a request. After the check, it will be forwarded to a maximum of four suitable specialist companies. The request is free and non-binding.
Prepare your apartment handover early and compare suitable offers for the work required.
Frequently asked questions about apartment handover
What is checked when handing over an apartment?
Cleanliness, damage, floors, walls, kitchen, bathrooms, windows, adjoining rooms, installations and the completeness of the keys are typically checked.
Does the apartment have to be completely empty?
As a rule, the apartment should be completely cleared, including the basement, attic, balcony and other ancillary rooms, unless otherwise agreed.
Do I have to repaint all the walls?
Not automatically. The decisive factors are condition, wear and tear, changes and the specific circumstances. However, conspicuous paint or damage may require work.
What is normal wear and tear?
Normal wear and tear occurs through normal use over time. It must be distinguished from extraordinary damage or damage caused by improper use.
Do I have to close dowel holes?
This depends on the scope, condition and agreement. Improperly closed holes can be more noticeable than the original locations.
What happens if the apartment isn't clean enough?
Any affected areas may need to be re-cleaned. Depending on the agreement, this can be done by the tenant or a commissioned cleaning company.
What does delivery guarantee mean?
Depending on the terms of the contract, a cleaning company undertakes to repair complained cleaning areas within the agreed scope of services.
Can I take my own photos during the handover?
It generally makes sense to document the condition of your home yourself. The photos should be clear, datable and assignable to the respective rooms.
What do I have to do if keys are missing?
Missing keys should be reported to the administration at an early stage. Depending on the security risk, further measures may be necessary.
Do I have to sign the handover protocol?
Read it completely before signing. Any unclear or, in your opinion, incorrect findings should be addressed directly and clarified.
Is an inquiry via 4Offerten.ch free?
Yes. The request is free and non-binding.
How many specialist companies can receive my request?
The request will be forwarded to a maximum of four suitable specialist companies.
