Last Updated on 2 months by David Bergmann
How to get your rental deposit back!
You are currently planning your move to or within Switzerland and are facing the last major hurdle before moving into your new home: The final cleaning of your old apartment. Final cleaning, also known as move-out cleaning, is a task that is not clearly regulated by law and therefore often becomes a matter of dispute. However, a thorough final cleaning can be crucial for the full refund of your rent deposit. In the following article, we will therefore take a closer look at the tasks that should be included in the final cleaning and the advantages of using a professional cleaning company. Final cleaning with acceptance guarantee: This is how you please even the pickiest landlord!
- Why is the final cleaning so important?
- What is included in a final cleaning?
- What is not included in the final cleaning?
- Advantages of a professional cleaning company
- How do I find a professional cleaning company?
1. Why is the final cleaning so important?
During the handover of the apartment the landlord expects the apartment to be returned in a condition that is ready for the next tenant to move into immediately. This means that you not only have to remove your personal belongings, but also make sure that the apartment is thoroughly cleaned. During the final cleaning, you should make sure that the apartment is free of dirt, dust and other residues.
What does “swept clean” mean?
The somewhat outdated term “swept clean” is still often used in tenancy agreements and it is often not entirely clear what it actually means. In general, “swept clean” actually only means that all personal belongings must be removed from the home and the floor must be vacuumed or swept with a broom. However, in reality “swept clean” is often not enough, as many landlords in Switzerland are fussy and expect the condition of the apartment to be exactly the same, as during the initial handover of the apartment. In order not to jeopardize the repayment of the rental deposit, a thorough cleaning of the apartment is therefore highly recommended.
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2. What is included in a final cleaning?
Since the topic of “final cleaning” is not clearly regulated in tenancy law, as already mentioned, there is a certain grey area for landlords and tenants. In general, the rental agreement should specify, what work has to be done when you move out. However, not all required activities are reasonable or legally backed up. Some landlords require a “basic cleaning” that goes far beyond the classic “swept clean” condition. If in doubt, it is best to contact the tenants’ association to prevent any disputes with the landlord.
In any case, it is quite clear that all personal belongings must be removed when moving out and the apartment must be returned in a “swept” state.
The following cleaning work is required by most landlords for the final cleaning:
- Vacuum cleaning and mopping of all floors
- Descaling tabs and sanitary facilities
- Cleaning the kitchen cupboards, oven, hob, extractor hood and fridge
- Remove excessive dirt from walls and doors
- Cleaning of tumble dryer, washing machine and other electrical appliances (provided by the landlord)
- Dust removal from radiators, light switches and sockets
- Cleaning windows, window frames and blinds
3. What is not included in the final cleaning?
Here, too, it is best to read the rental agreement beforehand to find out what cleaning work is required/not required. Not everything has to be cleaned during the final cleaning and not every requirement of the landlord is usual or permissible. Some landlords demand an “immaculate clean” instead of a “broom clean” handover.
For example, normal signs of wear and tear that occur during the rental period are generally to be accepted by the landlord. This includes, for example, small scratches in the parquet floor, as well as light soiling caused by normal use (e.g. slightly discolored silicone joints or signs of use on the walls). However, it is advisable to repair clearly visible damage, such as large holes in the wall or heavy soiling, so as not to risk complaints and thus time-consuming subsequent cleaning by the landlord.
4. Advantages of a professional cleaning company
The advantages of hiring a professional cleaning company for your move-out cleaning are numerous. Here are some reasons why it’s worth investing in a professional cleaning company:
- Time saving: Final cleaning can be very time-consuming, depending on the degree of soiling, especially in larger apartments or houses. A professional cleaning company will do the job efficiently and save you valuable time.
- Quality: Professional cleaning companies have the know-how and equipment to carry out a thorough cleaning. They use special cleaning agents and techniques to remove even the most stubborn stains.
- Acceptance guarantee: Many professional cleaning companies offer an acceptance guarantee, which means that they guarantee that the cleaning will meet the landlord’s requirements. This gives you additional security and helps to avoid complaints.
What does “final cleaning with acceptance guarantee” mean?
An acceptance guarantee means that the cleaning company guarantees that the cleaning carried out meets the landlord’s requirements. However, if there are any complaints from the landlord, the cleaning company will carry out subsequent cleaning free of charge to ensure that the requirements are met and the deposit is returned.
If you book your final cleaning via your Relock account, you will not only receive an affordable move-out cleaning at a fixed price, but also an acceptance guarantee.
5. How do I find a professional cleaning company?
There are many cleaning companies in Switzerland that specialize in move-out cleaning. It’s best to search online for cleaning companies in your area and get a free quote. We recommend that you express the requirements for the cleaning company and the information regarding your home (e.g. number of rooms and windows/doors, degree of soiling, etc.) as precisely as possible in order to obtain a realistic cost estimate.
When comparing quotes, you should pay attention to transparent pricing (it’s best to agree on a fixed price!) and whether an acceptance guarantee is included in the price. You should also clarify in advance which cleaning services are included in the final cleaning (the more, the better!).
Tip: Via your Relock account you can quickly and easily book a professional cleaning company at a fixed price including an acceptance guarantee. You save yourself the hassle of contacting various cleaning companies and comparing countless offers. Book your final cleaning now >>
What does a final cleaning cost?
The cost of a final cleaning depends on various factors:
- Number of rooms/size of the apartment
- Number of bathrooms
- Number of windows / balcony doors
- Open spaces (balcony, terrace, etc.)
- Cellar/attic cleaning required
- Special cleaning (e.g. high-pressure cleaning) desired yes/no
To give you a rough idea of the costs you can expect, we have put together a small overview for you:
ONE-ROOM APARTMENT (E.G. 40 SQM)
| WINDOWS | BATHROOM | COSTS |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 1 | CHF490 |
| 12 | 1 | CHF550 |
MULTI-ROOM APARTMENT (E.G. 80 SQM)
| WINDOWS | BATHROOM | COSTS |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 1 | CHF590 |
| 12 | 1 | CHF660 |
DETACHED HOUSE (E.G. 120 SQM)
| WINDOWS | BATHROOM | COSTS |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 1 | CHF750 |
| 12 | 1 | CHF810 |
Conclusion
The final cleaning of your old apartment is an annoying but important part of moving homes in Switzerland. By hiring a professional cleaning company with an acceptance guarantee, you ensure that your old apartment is returned in perfect condition and that you receive your rental deposit back in full. Don’t forget to make an appointment for your final cleaning in time to ensure a smooth handover!
Tip: Are you looking for a professional cleaning company for your move-out cleaning in Zurich, Basel, Bern, Aargau, Lucerne, St. Gallen or another zip code in Switzerland? Then get a free quote from one of our certified partner companies now. Click here for the inquiry form >>