If you want to move out of your apartment you have to give notice in writing, preferably by registered post, and in good time. If you are married or in a registered partnership, the notice letter is only valid if it is signed by both partners. The notice period for rented housing is usually three months. You should make sure that the notice letter reaches the landlord in time (one day before the start of the notice period). The rental agreement may contain specific dates when notice can be given, if not the usual rules for your area apply. These can be obtained from the conciliation authority
Once you have signed a rental agreement, the contractually agreed termination dates are effective. You should only sign a rental agreement once you are sure you want to rent the property. The common opinion that you can withdraw from a signed rental agreement within five days is wrong.
If you want to leave your apartment before the end of the specified notice period and avoid paying rent until the end of the rental period, you can put forward a new tenant. The person must be solvent, willing to take over the rental agreement under the same conditions and be accepted by the landlord. The landlord has up to 30 days to assess whether the new tenant meets the terms of the rental agreement and is able to pay the rent.
Cantonal conciliation authority (information, advice, standard formats)
The conciliation authority provides information and advice to both landlords and tenants and also supplies the necessary forms.
Landlords’ and tenants’ associations
Landlords’ and tenants’ associations also support landlords and tenants in their specific concerns and interests regarding termination.