Write a rental application. Swiss template and example
You need a cover letter that convinces at first glance, without worn-out standard phrases.
In short
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.
For whom?
- · Tenants
- · Expats
- · Students
When do you need this?
For every flat or flatshare application, ideally as part of the rental dossier directly after the viewing.
What should you do now?
Step 1: Start with a direct salutation to the management (name from the listing).
Step 2: Introduce yourself in two sentences: who you are, what you do, where you live now.
Step 3: Explain concretely why this flat fits (location, size, commute).
Step 4: State your desired move-in date.
Step 5: Briefly mention your ability to pay (permanent employment, income, guarantee).
Step 6: Close with a clear call to action: viewing, callback, further documents.
Three tones as an example
Choose the tone that suits you and the flat. The sentences are only inspiration, rephrase them for the specific application.
Factual
„I am applying for the 2.5-room flat at Beispielstrasse 12. A start of tenancy on 1 October would be ideal for me, salary statement and debt collection register extract are attached."
Personal
„The flat at Beispielstrasse appealed to me at first glance. Bright kitchen, quiet courtyard, five minutes to work. This is exactly what I have been looking for for months."
Professional / Expat
„I recently moved to Zurich for a permanent position at Beispiel AG and am looking for a long-term flat in your neighbourhood. Full salary statement and a parental guarantee are attached."
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
- A copied standard cover letter used for several flats without adaptation.
- Exaggerations like 'the perfect flat of my life', this seems implausible.
- Longer than one page, rarely read all the way through.
- Complaints about your current flat as the main reason, this seems negative.
- No phone number for callbacks.
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.
- Swiss Code of Obligations (CO), tenancy Art. 253-274g, Binding legal basis for tenancy in Switzerland.
- Swiss Tenants' Association, Advice and fact sheets on tenancy law from the tenant's side.
- HEV Switzerland (Homeowners' Association), Contract and tenancy law from the landlord's perspective.
- BWO, tenancy law, Official overview of rights and duties in the tenancy.
- Federal Office for Housing (BWO), Official federal authority for housing and tenancy matters.
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 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.
The debt collection register extract shows whether there are open debt collections or seizures against you. In Switzerland practically all managements require a current extract (max. 3 months old). You obtain it from the debt collection office of your municipality of residence, online, by post or at the counter. Depending on the canton it usually costs 17 to 25 CHF.
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.