Re: Where does one even start the never-ending apartment hunt?!
Post 3
Because competition for property in Geneva (esp at the cheaper to middle price range) is so fierce, regies priritize depending on the property, ie two three bedroom flats go to families first, or those with the highest paid jobs. its tough for a single person to get top of a list for a two bed place, unless you say your fiance will join or kids will visit etc.. be creative, and almost desperate. One bed flats are likely to go to a co signing couple, where both are employed.... ie there is less chance of both being unemployed and not paying rent etc...its all about protecting the rental income...
You will have to provide papers if you are interested in a property, this will include, employment contract, permit copy, certificate of non pursuit, and a letter explaining why you want this property.
Almost all properties have a regie... except sublets, but be aware that subletting gives you no rights, since the property contract is not signed by you. so if something breaks, or needs replacing (ie dishwasher/cooker/ door etc) the person who signed the contract with the regie will have to change it or arrange for it to be changed. (a regies woudl do this is directly signed with them).
Some local communes have lists of properties available in their area.... almost all via regies.
If you sublet, then its the personal relationship between you and the original tenant.... this is probably the only benefit to subletting, so long as the relationship is good and they look after you if you need something changed.
Be aware that Swiss rented property most often comes with nothing ...ie no lightbulbs or lamp fittings, sometimes no cooker or fridge/freezer, and mostly use of a shared wash machine... parking is often extra, if at all available. When you leave , you have to leave the property in the EXACT same state as you arrived...
it sounds a nightmare, but you'll get used to it and everyone has to do it...so youre not alone.
Once you find a property that you want to view, make an appointment go see it, and take the papers (as above with you..copies)... if you like the property submit them straight away... sometimes its the 1st that submits papers is top of the list.... you can do this with two or three places and see if you get the first refusal...
Contracts are standard, and require you to sign for a year, with 3 month notice periods, (ie end of each quarter)...if you leave before you have to find new tenants that are acceptable to the regie or landlord yourself.
Once youre accepted you will need to pay the 1st month rent, and provide a 3 month security deposit...either in a locked bank account, or via SwissCaution...
then you get the keys.... and then the fun and games start with Ikea etc :-)
