So I'll be moving to Geneva/ish in July/August and will, I'm sure, have all the usual housing/life questions soon enough. For now, I am just excited!

For a quick bit of advice, is it better to start looking for a long term (1 year) lease now, or closer to August when some apartments (possibly) may be available?

See you soon!

It is easier once you are here. For the reason being you need to have certain documention to give to the Regie (agency) in order to acquire a lease. Its an absolute nightmare trying a acquire a lease!! 

When you get here let me know and I will help you out as much as I can.

I started at CERN in January this year. I have been staying in an apart/hotel (like a hotel that can be used for longer stays) since I arrived. Have been tryng to find an apartment to rent since then. Looks like I will be moving into one in the next couple of weeks though. 

What will you be doing in CERN? summer student? or staff? etc.

Just to expand further on what I mentioned.....The documentation you need includes...

Photocopies of your passport and swiss residency permit (you get the swiss card after a few weeks of being here)

Copy of your work contract stating salary and length of contract

Letter of reccomendation

Completed application form

Certificate showing no debt history (Once you have been here 3 months or longer and you apply for an apartment you need this. As a new arrival you wont need it. There is an office in Geneva that gives you this)

I have always had to view an apartment before applying too. I have tried to apply just from looking at the advert but the agency found out I hadn't visited and rejected the application until I viewed it.

Hi John, thanks for all of the info. I'll be coming as a graduate student working on ATLAS. I plan to live in the area from August 2010-August 2011 or perhaps a bit shorter or longer. I'm really hoping for a place with 3 qualities 1) reasonable (<30 min) commute to cern via public transport 2) near a gym 3) less than CHF 1000 per month.

From the difficulties that seem to be involved in working with the regies, it seems like I may be better off subletting from someone through a classified ad here/cern market/elsewhere. Do you think it is worth my time to go through a regie if I will only be there for about a year?

My criteria is simlar to yours. I think the ideal location for my lifestyle is anywhere on the tram route and close to CERN so Meyrin is the perfect location for me. That way im minutes from work and I can get in and out of Geneva by tram so I can meet people, play pool etc. There is also a Silhouette gym in Meyrin (reasonably good reputation but haven't seen it yet.

I have been living on the french side as I was told it was cheaper and better. I disagree totally. If you live close to the border on the French side it is equally expensive if not more so. Plus the bus is awful! I have been left stranded late at night several times when the buses have left early or dont show up at all.

As for the Regie or sublet question....hmmm subletting may be simpler but as a subletter you essentially have no rights, you can be evicted without notice. Plus I think the tennants would be in trouble with the regies if they discovered people subletting (I think - someone may correct me).

If you get some help with the Regies I think it may be less painful for you. I can help as much as possible but a better French speaker than me is useful. A friend is helping me by calling the agency as they dont seem to respond unless pushed a little.

In summary...I would respond to adverts on CERN market. Some may ask you for your documents etc.  some may want you to sublet. If it's CERN people, we tend to be very trustworthy as we are all in the same boat so kicking you out will be unlikely.  I think you can get a room for 700-800 CHF and be of decent quality (apartments may say charges included but this doesn't usually mean electricity, phone etc. just means site maintenance).

Hi John, thanks for all the advice again...the CERN market seems pretty decent. I feel like I will have more luck closer to June/July for what I'm looking for. In the meantime, what do you think of this: i received an offer to sublet an apartment and the person said that "it's a law to ask for 2 months rent and a deposit" ahead of time. Seems excessive, is that really the norm?

When you go through the Regies its the norm to pay 3 months rent deposit. Which is a huge lump sum to put up front. However, subletting a room without being registered at the Regie and paying 2 months upfront wouldn't be law at all (I believe) but most places will want 1-2 months rent upfront I would think.