A Swiss tenant isn't a guest: there are concrete duties
A Swiss lease places clear obligations on the tenant: art. 257f of the Code of Obligations requires "use of the property with the necessary diligence", and art. 267 to "return the property in the condition received", net of normal wear. Cleaning isn't optional: it's a contractual duty during and at the end of the tenancy.
In short
- Weekly maintenance 1-2 h: prevents degradation that would otherwise become irreversible.
- Monthly/quarterly deep clean: ensures the flat at end of tenancy isn't worse than normal wear.
- Start handover preparation 4-6 weeks ahead (DIY) or 3-4 weeks ahead (with a professional).
- Document everything with dated photos: before move-in and before handover. It's your legal protection.
- Average deposit in Lugano: 2-3 months' rent. Deductions for unaccepted cleaning: CHF 200-1,000.
Weekly maintenance (1-2 h, distributed)
Mon-Fri (10-15 min/day)
- Bed made
- Dishes done (dishwasher or sink)
- Damp towels hung to dry
- Kitchen: counter + sink after cooking
- Paper post triaged, clothes off the sofa
- Air for 10 minutes on waking
Saturday or Sunday (60-90 min)
- Full vacuum
- Mop high-traffic floors
- Bathrooms: WC + shower + sink + mirrors
- Kitchen: hob + visible hood + sink
- Dust visible surfaces
- Empty bins, change bag
Monthly/quarterly deep clean (3-5 h)
At least once a month (small flats) or every 3 months (larger flats):
- Oven and range hood (interior + filters)
- Fridge (pull out drawers, clean seals)
- Bathroom: full descaling of shower + showerhead + taps
- Inside windows of main rooms
- Above wardrobes, high shelves, ceiling lights
- Skirting boards with barely-damp cloth
- Vacuum sofas and armchairs
Your real "battle": preventing problems that cause disputes
Bathroom mould
Cause: insufficient ventilation + shower humidity.
Prevention: every shower, run the showerhead over walls + open the bathroom window 5 min. If no window: extractor fan ALWAYS on during the shower + 10 min after.
Cost if it becomes a problem: silicone replacement (CHF 100-300) — your responsibility if classified as "lack of diligence".
Bathroom limescale
Cause: hard Lugano water (25-32 °fH) + neglected maintenance.
Prevention: showerhead pass after the shower + monthly descaling with 10% citric acid.
Cost if it becomes a problem: at handover, often CHF 100-200 deducted from the deposit for "limescale not removed".
Stains on parquet
Cause: liquids spilt and not picked up immediately.
Prevention: dry cloth immediately for any liquid spilt on parquet. Never vacuum liquids with a dry-only vacuum.
Cost if it becomes a problem: partial polishing CHF 200-500, zone parquet replacement CHF 1,000-3,000 — your responsibility if not classified as normal wear.
Nail holes in walls
Cause: hanging frames, shelves.
Prevention: small nails, strategic positions, few holes. All holes must be filled before handover with white filler (CHF 5 pack).
Cost if it becomes a problem: localised paint touch-up CHF 50-150 (required by the agency if holes aren't closed).
What's normal wear, what isn't (case law)
| Item | Normal wear | Tenant's responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Walls | Yellowing after 8-10 years | Stains, furniture marks, scratches from impact |
| Parquet | Reduced sheen after 5-7 years | Deep scratches, water marks, burns |
| Kitchen worktop | Micro-abrasion after 6-8 years | Cuts, permanent stains |
| Bathroom silicone | Greying after 4-6 years | Black mould (= lack of ventilation) |
| Wallpaper | Fading after 5+ years | Tears, stains |
| Fridge | Slight yellowing | Accumulated dirt not removed |
BGE 138 III 401 confirms the principle: the tenant pays the "degradation premium" over normal wear, not the natural ageing.
Handover preparation — 4-6 week timeline
6-4 weeks before handover
- Pre-inspection by the property manager (request it proactively)
- Walk through with photos and note all critical points
- Decide: DIY or professional?
4-2 weeks before
- Small repairs: plug holes, replace burnt bulbs, replace blackened silicone
- Localised paint touch-up (only where needed, never the whole wall for "uniformity")
1 week before
- Move-out (never on the cleaning day or handover day)
- DIY deep clean or professional intervention
- Final photo documentation
Handover day
- Final check (re-open wardrobes, last bathroom and kitchen pass)
- All keys handed over
- Handover form signed in 2 copies
DIY or professional service?
| DIY | Professional service | |
|---|---|---|
| Time required (80 m²) | 12-18 h of effective work | 0 h of yours + 4-8 h crew |
| Material cost | CHF 50-150 (products + filler) | Included |
| Total cost | CHF 50-150 + your time | CHF 600-1,200 by m² |
| Acceptance guarantee | None | Yes (reputable firms) |
| Risk of deposit deductions | Significant | Near-zero with included guarantee |
| End-of-process stress | High | Low |
Angolli's professional service
Quick deposit-saving checklist
- Dated photos before and after the clean
- All nail holes filled and touched up
- Limescale fully removed (bathrooms and kitchen)
- Oven disassembled and deep cleaned
- Fridge defrosted and washed including the back
- Kitchen degreased: hood, filters, behind appliances
- Windows inside + outside + frames
- Skirting boards cleaned full length
- Cellar and balcony cleaned
- Laundry room (if present) sanitised
- Specific floors (parquet with right product, marble with mild soap only)
- Silicone replacement if needed
- All keys handed over at signing
Frequently asked questions
What's the risk if I don't keep my rental clean?
Can the property manager do inspections?
When should I start preparing for handover?
Is normal wear really at the landlord's expense?
Sources & references
- [1]Swiss Code of Obligations — Art. 257f (Tenant's duty of care)Swiss Confederation — Fedlex — accessed 2026-05-08
- [2]Swiss Code of Obligations — Art. 267 (Return of the property)Swiss Confederation — Fedlex — accessed 2026-05-08
- [3]ASLOCA Ticino — Tenant rights and dutiesASLOCA — Swiss tenants' association — accessed 2026-05-08
- [4]BGE 138 III 401 — Normal wear in lease contractsSwiss Federal Supreme Court — accessed 2026-05-08
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