Common areas: where private ends and shared begins
In a Swiss condominium (floor-property under CCS art. 712a-712t), the common areas have a maintenance regulation typically approved by the owners' assembly. Cleaning these zones is mandatory, periodic, and the responsibility of the appointed property manager.
In short
- Common areas: entrance hall, stairs, landings, lift, hallways, shared laundries/cellars, waste rooms.
- Typical frequency: 1-2× per week for stairs and entrance, monthly for windows and railings.
- 2026 Lugano cost: CHF 0.30-0.80/m² per month (varies by size and standard).
- Example: a 12-unit building (2 floors, lift) ≈ CHF 350-700/month.
- The property manager must provide an itemised invoice and coordinate with the assembly on service changes.
What to clean and how often
Weekly (1-2× per week, 30-90 min depending on size)
- Vacuum entrance + stairs + landings
- Mop floor of entrance + stairs (microfibre mop)
- Lift cleaning: floor, mirrors, button panel (sanitise with 70% alcohol)
- Inside glass of entrance doors
- Bin/bag in waste rooms emptied and disinfected
- Dust railings
Monthly (in addition)
- Windows and door frames in common areas
- Dust ceiling lights and mailboxes
- Skirting boards in stairs and entrance
- Sanitise communal handles and switches
- Communal laundry: clean machines, sink, drain
Quarterly or semi-annual
- External glass of entrance (frequency depends on exposure)
- Deep lift clean (interior walls, ceiling, accessible mechanism)
- High ceiling lights (stairwell)
- Descale communal sinks
- Deep cleaning of technical room (boiler if accessible)
Annual
- Deep clean of every common environment
- Polishing of marble/granite floors (if present)
- Full sanitation of laundry and waste room
2026 cost for Lugano — concrete examples
| Building type | Units | m² common area | Frequency | Monthly cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small block | 4-6 | 80-120 | 1× per week | CHF 200-350 |
| Medium block | 8-12 | 150-220 | 1-2× per week | CHF 400-700 |
| Large block | 15-25 | 250-400 | 2× per week | CHF 700-1,200 |
| Residence with garden | 30+ | 500+ | 3× per week + outside | CHF 1,400+ |
Variables that move the cost:
- Natural-stone floors (marble, granite): +15-20% (specific products and technique)
- Lift with mirrors / reflective surfaces: +5-10% (more cleaning time)
- More than 3 floors: progressive increase
- Communal laundry / cellars: +10-15%
- Frequent pets in the building: +10%
What is NOT condominium cleaning
Tender specifications for the assembly
When the assembly approves a new contractor, the specs should include:
- Detailed frequency table per area
- Quality standards (e.g. % of surfaces meeting visual-clean verified in semi-annual audit)
- Consumables management (waste bags, soap, products)
- Liability insurance ≥ CHF 3-5 million
- Substitution coverage during illness
- Monthly reporting (photos + checklist)
- Penalties for missed SLAs + corrective mechanisms
- Notice clause (typically 30-60 days)
- Free site visit before signing
Angolli's professional service
Typical owner questions
"The contractor is too expensive, can we change?" Yes — call an extraordinary assembly, evaluate at least 2-3 alternative quotes, vote. 15-25% savings are common when revising a long-standing contract.
"The cleaning is unsatisfactory, what to do?" Document with photos, write to the property manager. The manager must formally challenge the contractor and demand corrective action within 7-15 days. If unresolved, consider a contractor change.
"The current contractor is the manager's old friend — is that normal?" Possible conflict of interest. Good administrative practice requires the manager to present at least 2-3 alternative quotes periodically (every 2-3 years typically). Demand transparency at the assembly.
Perguntas frequentes
L'amministratore può scegliere l'impresa senza consultare i condòmini?
Quanto costa la pulizia di uno stabile di 8-12 appartamenti a Lugano?
Cosa rientra nelle 'parti comuni' da pulire?
Fontes e referências
- [1]Swiss Civil Code — Floor property (art. 712a-712t)Swiss Confederation — Fedlex — acessado em 2026-05-08
- [2]SVIT — Swiss Real Estate Management AssociationSVIT — acessado em 2026-05-08
Prefere que a Angolli cuide disso?
Visita gratuita em Lugano e em todo o Cantão de Ticino, orçamento em 24 h, produtos certificados, equipe segurada.