Housing

Mieterverband

Tenants Association

Simple Definition

The association protecting tenant rights. For a small annual fee (~CHF 90), they provide legal advice and insurance.

Why this matters to Expats.

Join this. Immediately. If your landlord tries to keep your deposit or raises rent illegally, the Mieterverband provides the lawyer to fight back. They are extremely powerful and feared by abusive landlords.

Actionable Intelligence

Membership: Includes "Legal Protection Insurance" for housing disputes. Worth every penny.

Handover: You can hire a Mieterverband expert to be present at your apartment handover for ~CHF 150. They ensure the landlord doesn't invent damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can they lower my rent?

Yes! If the "Referenzzinssatz" (Reference Interest Rate) drops, they provide templates to request a rent reduction.