Flatshare room application Switzerland, how to convince flatmates and management
For flatshare rooms, the existing flatmates' liking for you often decides, and at the same time the management has to formally agree.
In short
A flatshare application runs on two tracks: you have to win over the existing flatmates on a human level and at the same time provide the management with the formal documents. Those who take both seriously have clearly better chances than someone who only sends a standard CV.
For whom?
- · Tenants
- · Flatshare residents
- · Students
- · Expats
When do you need this?
As soon as you apply for a specific flatshare room, either directly to the flatshare or additionally to the management, depending on the contract model.
What should you do now?
Step 1: Write a short personal message to the flatshare (via the listing contact form or WhatsApp).
Step 2: Explain in 3 to 5 sentences who you are, what you do and what you are like as a flatmate.
Step 3: Proactively ask for a viewing appointment or video call.
Step 4: Prepare a complete rental dossier (see the rental dossier guide).
Step 5: Bring the dossier directly to the viewing or send it the same day afterwards.
Step 6: Be punctual, polite and ask questions at the appointment. Interest makes an impression.
Free checklist
Work through the points directly in your browser. Or download them as a clean Word document (.docx), one A4 page, ready to print.
Matching next steps
These tips and tools help you carry on right away, free of charge and without sign-up. Not legal advice.
Common mistakes
- Only formal data without a human element. Flatshares often read this as a lack of interest.
- CVs that are too long, three paragraphs are enough.
- Exaggerated praise of the flatshare ('great atmosphere!') without concrete reasons.
- Showing up at the viewing and then saying 'we will send the documents later', usually too late.
- No feedback after the viewing appointment.
Frequently asked questions
External sources for legal background
We link these sources for reference. We do not copy any content. Everything on this page is written independently.
Matching BoVita offers
Related topics
A complete rental dossier in Switzerland consists of three parts: a personal cover letter, a short profile or self-disclosure form, and the attachments such as the debt collection register extract, proof of salary and a copy of your ID. Those who put everything together cleanly often apply more successfully than someone with better figures but incomplete documents.
A good flat cover letter is personal, concrete and short. It shows who you are, why you want this particular flat and when you could move in. Avoid general phrases like 'I hereby apply for your flat' and refer directly to the listing (address, neighbourhood, flat size). That way the management immediately notices that you really read the listing.
Flatshare house rules are a short, jointly agreed overview of the cleaning schedule, noise, guests, shared purchases and conflict resolution. Flatshares that write this down once on two pages have noticeably less friction in practice than flatshares that settle everything informally.
This content is for practical guidance and does not replace legal advice. For binding legal information, please contact a qualified specialist office, a conciliation authority or the tenants' association.