Apartment Viewing: 15 Questions You Should Definitely Ask
An apartment viewing often lasts only a few minutes, while signing a tenancy agreement may affect you for years. These 15 questions help you systematically check rent, ancillary costs, defects, noise, heating, the rental deposit and tenancy conditions when viewing a property in Switzerland.
Author: Nikita von Niederhäuser, UrbanHome real estate expert Updated: 4 October 2026 · Reading time: approx. 15 minutes
Low vacancy – but do not make a rushed decision
On 1 June 2026, 45,493 homes were vacant in Switzerland. The national vacancy rate fell to 0.93 percent. In highly sought-after regions, viewings may therefore be short and attended by many other prospective tenants.
Competition should nevertheless not be the only factor guiding your decision. A tenancy agreement is a long-term financial commitment, so use the viewing to clarify the points that matter before applying.
How to prepare for an apartment viewing
Read the listing again shortly before the appointment and note any missing or unclear information.
Compare the information beforehand
Check rent, ancillary costs, living area, number of rooms, floor, availability and storage areas.
Write down your must-haves
Decide which factors are essential, such as quiet surroundings, a lift, balcony, pets, public transport or parking.
Bring notes and measurements
A smartphone, notes and, if needed, a small tape measure can help you record important details.
Arrive a few minutes early
Use the time to assess the street, traffic, public transport, shops and immediate surroundings yourself.
questions you should definitely ask
You do not need to ask every question word for word. What matters is obtaining the information relevant to your decision.
What are the exact net rent, ancillary costs and gross monthly rent?
Ask for the monthly costs separately so you can distinguish fixed rent from ancillary charges.
How are ancillary costs billed?
Ask whether they are advance payments, a flat rate or another model, which items are included and whether significant additional payments have occurred.
How much is the rental deposit and what form is required?
For residential property, a security paid in money or securities may not exceed three months' rent.
When is the apartment available and are there special contract conditions?
Ask about the start date, any minimum tenancy period, notice period and contractual termination dates.
Are there any known defects?
Ask about stains, cracks, defective appliances, damaged floors or other visible issues and make sure they can later be documented at handover.
Are repairs or renovations planned?
Clarify what will be completed before move-in and whether major work is planned for the building.
What is the noise situation during the day, evening and weekend?
Ask about road and rail traffic, restaurants, businesses, neighbours and known construction projects.
What are the orientation, daylight and summer heat like?
Ask about orientation, shading and direct sunlight. Conditions can differ considerably depending on the time of day and season.
How is the property heated and how are heating and hot water billed?
Heating type, building condition and the billing method can influence your actual housing costs.
Which appliances and fixtures are included?
Clarify the status of the fridge, dishwasher, oven, washing machine, dryer, built-in cupboards and any other equipment.
How does the laundry arrangement work?
Ask whether laundry facilities are private or shared, about schedules, permitted hours, fees and private appliance connections.
Which storage and communal areas are included?
Check the cellar, attic, bicycle or pushchair room, lift and other communal areas.
Are pets permitted or subject to approval?
If you have or plan to have a pet, clarify the tenancy agreement and any house rules before applying.
Is parking, bicycle storage or EV charging available?
Ask about availability, separate monthly charges, visitor parking and any existing or planned charging infrastructure.
How does the application process work after the viewing?
Clarify the deadline, submission channel, documents required, contact person and the expected next steps.
Things you should inspect yourself
Open and close the windows
Listen for traffic noise and check draughts, window frames and the difference between open and closed windows.
Pay attention to smells and suspicious areas
Musty smells, discolouration, peeling paint or unusual sealant can justify asking further questions.
Check storage and access
Inspect cupboards, cellar, bicycle storage, lift, staircase and the route from the entrance to the apartment.
Check mobile and internet needs
If important to you, check mobile reception and ask about available internet, fibre or cable connections.
Four rules worth knowing before signing
1. The property must be suitable for the agreed use
Under Art. 256 CO, the landlord must hand over and maintain the property in a condition suitable for its intended use.
2. Ancillary costs must be specifically agreed
Under Art. 257a CO, tenants only owe ancillary costs that have been specifically agreed.
3. A cash deposit for residential property is limited
A security paid in money or securities may not exceed three months' rent for residential property and must be held by a bank in the tenant's name.
4. Defects can have legal consequences
Depending on the circumstances, tenants have statutory rights regarding defects for which they are not responsible. Visible issues should therefore be raised and properly documented at handover.
If a repair or improvement is decisive for your application, ask for the promise to be stated clearly in writing before signing the tenancy agreement.
After the viewing: do not send money or sensitive data under pressure
A popular apartment and many competing applicants can create pressure. Nevertheless, you should be able to verify the provider, application portal, contract documents and payment recipient before sharing sensitive information or money.
- Do not transfer a deposit or reservation payment solely because of time pressure.
- Never provide e-banking credentials, card details or unusual forms of payment.
- Verify unfamiliar application links before uploading identity or financial documents.
- Confirm the intended application channel with the verified property manager or provider.
The 15-point apartment viewing checklist
Net and gross rent clarified
Ancillary costs checked
Rental deposit clarified
Start date and termination terms checked
Known defects discussed
Planned repairs clarified
Noise assessed
Daylight and orientation checked
Heating and hot water clarified
Appliances checked
Laundry arrangement clarified
Storage and communal areas viewed
Pet rules checked
Parking and bicycle storage clarified
Application process and deadline noted
Sources and data status
- Federal Office for Housing / FSO: Vacancy survey 2026
- Fedlex: Swiss Code of Obligations
- Zurich Courts: Defects in rented property
- FDPIC: Personal data in rental applications
Legal and data status checked on 4 October 2026.
Frequently asked questions about apartment viewings
Ask about rent and ancillary costs, the deposit, start date and termination terms, defects, planned work, noise, heating, appliances, laundry, storage areas, pets, parking and the application process.
For residential property, a security paid in money or securities may not exceed three months' rent and must be deposited with a bank in the tenant's name.
Yes. Ask about their amount, included items, billing method and previous additional payments where relevant.
Raise them during the viewing, clarify what will be repaired and make sure relevant promises and existing defects are documented.
Ask the property manager, landlord or current tenant for permission first and avoid photographing people or personal belongings without consent.
No. Do not pay solely because of time pressure. First verify the provider, contract and correct form of the agreed security.
You can prepare the basic information required for an application, but do not automatically hand sensitive documents to an unknown recipient.
The UrbanHome rental search allows you to compare current rental properties in Switzerland by location, price, number of rooms and other criteria.
A good viewing goes beyond the first impression
The floor plan, balcony and attractive kitchen are only part of the decision. Clarify total rent, ancillary costs, deposit, defects, planned work, noise, heating, storage and tenancy conditions. Preparing the 15 questions in advance makes it easier to compare properties and reduces the risk of unpleasant surprises after moving in.
Find properties for your next viewing
Compare current rental properties in Switzerland on UrbanHome and use the 15 questions at your next viewing.