Rental Application Dossier

The complete Word folder for your rental application: cover page, cover letter, self-disclosure and the right order of attachments.

Checked on 21 August 2026 by Jens Herbst, BoVitaWe keep every document current and check it regularly against the sources.

Who is this document for?

For anyone applying for a flat or room who wants to stand out from the pile with a complete, cleanly formatted dossier.

What is inside

  • Pre-formatted cover page with your key facts
  • Ready-to-adapt cover letter
  • Complete self-disclosure form
  • Ordered checklist for all attachments (ID, debt extract, payslip)
  • Common mistakes and pro tips from the landlord's perspective

How to fill it in

  1. 1Open the file in Word, Pages or Google Docs and replace every field in [square brackets].
  2. 2Add your attachments in the checklist order.
  3. 3Save everything as ONE PDF (File, Save As, PDF).
  4. 4Send the PDF as a single file, not as loose attachments.

Frequently asked questions

For applications to flats and rooms across Switzerland, whether with a management company, private landlord or shared flat. The template is neutral and works for employees, students and the self-employed.

Typically a copy of your ID or permit, a current debt register extract and proof of income. The checklist shows the sensible order; if you do not have the debt extract yet, use our separate kit without the extract.

The self-disclosure form is usually signed. Print, sign and scan it, or insert a clean image signature.

As one single PDF by email or via the management's application form. One PDF with a clear file name (Lastname-Dossier.pdf) looks professional and stays complete.

No. You receive the kit free by email; we use your address according to our privacy policy.

If the template alone is not enough

In-depth guideSwiss rental application dossier, the template that helps you get accepted fasterThe article goes deeper than the document: deadlines, examples and where to turn.Let it fill itself inrental dossier expressThe tool does the same work, just without the typing.

What this document is based on

Every provision is checked against the wording of the consolidated version. The links lead straight to the federal statute.

  • OR Art. 493 · Form der Buergschaft

    A guarantee is NEVER form-free. It always requires the guarantor's written declaration and a specific maximum liability amount stated in the deed itself. For natural persons notarisation is added unless the liability amount does not exceed CHF 2,000. That threshold refers to the LIABILITY AMOUNT, not to the monthly rent. Splitting the sum into smaller amounts to avoid the form requirement is not permitted. A married guarantor needs their spouse's consent (Art. 494).

    OR Art. 493 Abs. 1, 2 und 4, Art. 494 Abs. 1, SR 220 · Status 01.01.2026

  • GebV-SchKG Art. 12a · Gebuehr fuer die Auskunft aus dem Betreibungsregister

    The fee is exhaustively set by federal law: CHF 17 flat, CHF 18 for delivery by post, fax or electronically, CHF 22 by registered post. Higher amounts are not provided for.

    GebV SchKG Art. 12a, SR 281.35 · Status 01.01.2026

When the document alone is not enough

In tenancy matters the conciliation procedure is free of charge. You need no lawyer, and the authority also gives advice.

Find the conciliation authority of your cantonSwiss Tenants' AssociationAdvice, fact sheets and template letters (in German)

Looking for a room, not just documents?

BoVita rents furnished shared rooms with all-in rent in Aarau, Wohlen, St. Gallen and Brugg. Reply within 48 hours on working days.

See locations and available rooms

Related documents

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Apply while the debt register extract is still missing: three cover-letter variants, alternative proofs and a parental guarantee template.

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Shared-Flat Acceptance Kit: the 48-Hour Plan

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