Excellent question, and I have the same in my place in Geneva!

Would be nice to know what the law says about this. Can the Regie just do what they want, or are there some legal restrictions here?

http://www.asloca.ch/?q=node/57

Perhaps these are questions ASLOCA could help with?  They have offices in Geneva, Nyon and Lausanne (for the above).  You could either phone and ask their advice or after joining (55 fr. annual fee) go to the daily permanence which is held every evening and where you can consult a lawyer.  Their website has a forum.

the same happens to us in our appartment in Geneva. The temperature in the room where we sleep falls to 14-15 at night. But during the day it doesn't pass 19. But in our case it is not a régie. It is the house owner who lives in the ground floor and she chooses it.

Thanks, Guys. The Regie deRham is the owner of the house and they basically run the house like a military camp. After calling them and explaining the dire situation, they jsut brushed me off with: "People in CH go to bed at 10pm and do not need heat". I had a hard time keeping my cool after that conversation. I will check with a lawyer now and the ASLOCA. I keep you posted. Thanks again for the tips. I greatly appreciate it.

Taco:

The answer you got from deRham is hilarious (as long as it's not me who has to freeze in your apt!).

Tomorrow I speak on WRS Radio about expat issues, and I might quote you, without using any names...(-:

As for a solution: seems Mozambique's answer is the way to go.

Pls let us know what you learn, and: stay warm!

Nir

Nir, please go ahead and quote me on WRS!!!! I feel like I am in a movie, a cold movie!

Just hung up with ASLOCA, got the earliest appointment, Dec 1! The lady told me that people are lining up with the same complaints about underheated apartments...and she was laughing when I mentioned deRham. These folks must have quite a track record. She also told me that shutting down the heater is a def no-go. I am not sure if I feel better now. Will keep you posted. Thanks for the warm support. I NEED IT!

Taco: you go girl!

I am on the radio tomorrow (Tue) at 17h. Listen in to hear your story...(-.

Hi freezing folks,

if you speak French, you can also call the Maison Transfrontalier in Annemasse. They have lawyers who give advice per phone for free. You can call them only in the morning from 9 - 12 am from Tuesday to Friday. The number is ++ 33 (0)4 50 87 86 38. You might have to try several times to get them, because their lines are pretty busy. But it's worth it.

In general, they give advice to "frontaliers" and they know both French and Swiss legislation very well. So they might help expats in CH as well.

Normally you have to be a member of the association (approx. 55 EUR/year), but they do also answer you when you aren't. First, you will speak to one of the ladies at the reception and they already know a lot. When they can't help you, they will put you through to a lawyer.

Good luck!

Maybe all us freezing people should arrange some Member-Activity where we all get together on the extra cold nights to do a big group hug and warm up. My intentions are pure, I swear!

And here's one to make you smile, while we're cold:

Goooood one!!!!