Contact ASLOCA. Association of renters. That's the best advice you can get, plus if you need to get into some kind of procedure or at least letters exchange, they will assist you.

She just saw your boyfriend today !

Fine, than you can declare you were not certain and were testing for the " right" guy. This week-end - if your boyfriend agrees - you can prepare a nice letter to your landlady and announce you wish your boyfriend to be listed as co-resident, even more if you wish him to be listed on the lease. In all cases you must provide details and documentation on your companion to share your private life in your dwelling. You do not say much about yr flat so if it is just 20 sqm I tend to understand your landlady is a bit reluctant or if you live in a place for LADIES-ONLY....

Thanks for your answer. The flat is a 2 space flat where 2 people can live perfectly, nothing like a 20sqm or anything that might be considered as 1 person only for satefy/comfort reasons. My bf came here to look for a job, so he does not have a permit yet and this would make her angrier... But legally I could have a friend visiting for a few months, I think!

Anyone can stay at your place as long as they don't give you money for it (at least officially). Owners will always try to rip you off here, if you get in any kind of trouble contact ASLOCA.  

Thanks a lot. I will try to be open to her and see if we can talk about it and just be friends... or otherwise I will contact ASLOCA.

Thanks all for the comments.

I heartily recommend that you find an amicable settlement with your landlady so that she agrees in letting your boyfriend stay.  If ASLOCA says that you're entitled to have a person living with you but your landlady isn't happy with it, she will easily manage to kick you out. 

Don't count on the law to protect you; Switzerland laws are ridiculously full of loopholes, obviously to the advantage of the land owner.  Don't count on her humanity neither; Swiss land owners can be ruthless, and she will have no scruples in force you living on the street from one day to another.

I don't mean to scare you, but I speak for experience and I believe a reality check is necessary, given the harsh conditions of renting a place in Geneva. 

I think you should go to Asloca without further delay, because they can advise you on the best way to handle any negotiations with your landlady.

If you know how you stand legally, this will give you confidence in any verbal or written communication with her, especially if she tries to evict you unjustifiably.

And in the case that this does happen, you will be able to return to Asloca for further advice.

Forewarned is forearmed!

All the best, R.

Remember that Asloca's services are not free like everyone here seems to think. Also depending on your type of residence permit you might be able to extend it to your partner.

I am certainly aware that Asloca’s services are not free, but I don’t think I posted  anything suggesting that they are.

Moreover, would equivalent services in other countries be free?  If they exist at all, that is.