Move-Out Cleaning Obligations: What You Really Need to Do
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When moving out, there is often uncertainty: What do I need to clean? What counts as normal wear and tear? When are deposit deductions (Kautionsabzüge) at risk? In Switzerland, there are clear rules, yet disputes regularly arise at apartment handovers. This guide clarifies your rights and obligations as a tenant.
Essential information for expats: Swiss rental law (Mietrecht) has specific requirements that may differ significantly from what you are used to in your home country. The deposit (Kaution/Mietkaution) is held in a blocked bank account and can only be released with mutual consent or a court/conciliation authority decision. Understanding your rights and obligations will help you protect your deposit and avoid unnecessary disputes.
Fundamental Rule: "Broom-Clean" Is NOT Enough!
In Switzerland, the apartment must be handed over in a thoroughly cleaned state when moving out. This goes far beyond simply being "broom-clean" (besenrein).
What does this mean in practice?
Under Swiss tenancy law (Art. 267 OR, the Swiss Code of Obligations), the apartment must be returned in a condition that corresponds to "ordinary use" (gewöhnlicher Gebrauch). Specifically, this means: thoroughly cleaned, but not in brand-new condition. Wear and tear from normal use is permitted and may not be charged to you.
What You Must Clean, Room by Room
Kitchen (The Most Frequent Dispute Area):
- Oven inside and out (incl. trays, racks, door between glass panes)
- Extractor hood including grease filter
- Fridge defrosted, cleaned, and left open
- Freezer completely defrosted
- Dishwasher inside (including sieve and seal)
- All cupboards wiped inside and out
- Worktops, backsplash, and tile splashback grease-free
- Sink and taps limescale-free
- Drain clear and odour-free
- Hob streak-free
Bathroom/WC:
- WC inside and out (also behind the seat, base, cistern)
- Shower/bathtub incl. grout and seals
- Sink and taps limescale-free
- Mirror streak-free
- Glass shower screen limescale-free
- Cupboards inside and out
- Ventilation grilles removed and cleaned
- Drains clear (remove hair!)
- Soap holder, towel rail cleaned
All Rooms:
- Floors vacuumed and mopped
- Windows cleaned inside (glass and frame)
- Window sill inside and outside
- Radiators thoroughly dusted (between the fins)
- Sockets and light switches cleaned
- Doors, frames, and jambs
- Built-in wardrobes inside and out
- Skirting boards wiped
- Roller blinds/shutter slats if needed
Exterior Areas:
- Balcony/terrace swept and mopped
- Cellar swept clean and emptied
- Laundry room (your share)
- Attic cleared (if applicable)
- Bike storage / parking area cleared
What Counts as "Normal Wear and Tear"?
Swiss tenancy law clearly distinguishes between normal wear and tear (normale Abnutzung, which the landlord must bear) and excessive wear or damage (which the tenant pays for).
Normal wear and tear, you CANNOT be charged for:
- Slight yellowing of walls after several years
- Minimal usage marks on floors (light scratches on parquet)
- Slight discolouration of grout in the bathroom
- Small scuff marks on door frames and thresholds
- Normal patina on taps and fittings
- Slight discolouration of plastic surfaces
- Drill holes in normal quantity (rule of thumb: reasonable number for hanging pictures)
Excessive wear and tear, this is YOUR responsibility:
- Burn holes (cigarettes)
- Deep scratches in parquet (furniture damage)
- Water damage caused by your own fault
- Heavy smoke stains on walls and ceilings
- Mould caused by inadequate ventilation
- Damaged tiles or fittings
- Pet damage (scratch marks, urine stains)
What You Do NOT Have to Do
- Repaint, Unless there is heavy soiling or it was a smoker's apartment. After 8-10 years, the landlord must have the walls repainted anyway (lifespan as per the official table)
- Sand parquet, Lifespan 15 years. Normal usage marks are permitted
- Fill drill holes, Not required with a normal number and size (many tenants do it anyway to avoid disputes)
- Clean exterior windows, Only the inside is your responsibility
- Clean exterior shutters (Storen), This is part of regular building maintenance
Lifespan Table (Lebensdauertabelle), Know Your Rights
The "paritätische Lebensdauertabelle" (joint lifespan table) defines how long fixtures and fittings are expected to last. If the lifespan is exceeded, the landlord pays for replacement, not you.
| Component | Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Walls (paint, wallpaper) | 8-10 years |
| Carpet flooring | 10 years |
| Laminate flooring | 15 years |
| Parquet (sanding) | 15 years |
| Kitchen appliances | 15-20 years |
| Kitchen cupboards | 25 years |
| Sanitary installations (sink, WC) | 30 years |
| Bathtub | 30 years |
| Windows | 30 years |
Tip: Download the "paritätische Lebensdauertabelle" from the Swiss Tenants' Association (Mieterverband) before your handover. It is the official reference in Switzerland and is also recognised by conciliation authorities (Schlichtungsbehörden). An English summary may be available from your local tenants' association.
When Are Deposit Deductions at Risk?
The most common reasons for deposit deductions:
How much can be deducted?
For cleaning deficiencies, the amount is typically deducted that a follow-up cleaning would cost. This can be CHF 200-800, depending on the effort. For larger damage (e.g., smoker's apartment), it can be significantly more.
Important for expats: Your deposit (typically 1-3 months' rent) is held in a blocked bank account (Sperrkonto). The landlord cannot simply access it. After moving out, the landlord has 1 year to make claims. If you disagree with a deduction, you can escalate to the local conciliation authority (Schlichtungsbehörde), which is free or very low-cost.
The Handover Guarantee, Your Best Protection
A professional cleaning with a handover guarantee (Abnahmegarantie) is the safest option.
How it works:
What to look out for:
- Does the guarantee also apply on weekends? (Handovers often take place on Saturdays)
- How quickly can the company follow up? (Ideally within 24 hours)
- Does the guarantee cover all cleaning deficiencies? (Not pre-existing damage)
- Is the guarantee set out in writing in the quote?
What the guarantee does NOT cover:
- Damage unrelated to cleaning (scratches, holes, etc.)
- Defects that existed before cleaning
- Exterior window surfaces (typically not in the scope of services)
DIY Cleaning or Hire a Professional?
| DIY Cleaning | Professional Cleaning | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (3-room apt.) | CHF 50-100 (materials) | CHF 810-1'120 |
| Time required | 8-12 hours | 4-6 hours (professionals) |
| Handover guarantee | No | Yes |
| Quality | Variable | Professional |
| Risk of deductions | High | Minimal |
| Stress factor | High | Low |
When hiring a professional is worth it:
- If you have little experience with thorough cleaning
- In cases of heavy limescale or soiling
- When the deadline is tight
- If you want to spare yourself the stress
- With a high deposit (the investment protects your deposit)
What to Do About Unjustified Deductions
If you disagree with a deposit deduction:
For expats: The conciliation authority (Schlichtungsbehörde) proceedings are conducted in the local language (German, French, or Italian depending on the canton). Consider joining your local Mieterverband (tenants' association), which can provide guidance and may assist in English.
Conclusion
The move-out cleaning should be thorough, but you do not need to deliver the apartment in brand-new condition. Know your rights, use the lifespan table, and invest in a professional cleaning with a handover guarantee rather than risking deposit deductions.
Tip: Through SwissOfferten, you receive free and non-binding quotes from verified cleaning companies with a handover guarantee in your region.
Cite this data
SwissOfferten. "Move-Out Cleaning: What Are My Obligations as a Tenant?." swissofferten.ch, 2026. https://www.swissofferten.ch/en/blog/move-out-cleaning-tenant-obligations
Häufig gestellte Fragen
What do I need to clean when moving out?
What is normal wear and tear and what do I not need to clean?
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