Moving Cleaning Costs in Switzerland: What to Expect in 2026

For a 3.5-room apartment of 85 m², the SwissOfferten calculator estimates CHF 980-1'360 without a handover guarantee and CHF 1'270-1'770 with one, using Bern as the reference canton. These are model estimates, not observed market averages or binding offers. Actual quotes received through SwissOfferten appear on this page with their sample size and period.

Move-out cleaning is called Umzugsreinigung, Endreinigung or Auszugsreinigung in German. It concerns an empty apartment prepared for handover. Regular cleaning of a furnished home is a different service: see household cleaning costs or hourly cleaner costs.

Before booking: Check your lease and the handover requirements. Some contracts, particularly in north-western Switzerland, provide for a "broom-clean" return with a cleaning charge instead of a full clean organised by the tenant. The Swiss Tenants' Association explains these regional differences. Confirm what applies to your apartment before paying for a service.

Move-Out Cleaning Price Examples 2026

Each row uses the stated reference area and Bern's regional factor of 1.0. A room count is not a substitute for the actual floor area. Both price columns come from the cleaning cost calculator. The guarantee column applies the calculator's assumption; SwissOfferten does not measure a separate market-wide guarantee surcharge. Ask the cleaning company for the agreed scope and a fixed total.

What should a move-out cleaning quote include?

Send each company the same brief so that the prices cover the same job:

Request free move-out cleaning quotes in English. SwissOfferten forwards your request to suitable verified companies. You choose whether to accept an offer; confirm the working language and handover guarantee with the company before booking.

Price Differences by Canton

Cleaning costs vary considerably by region. In urban areas like Zurich and Basel, wages and therefore prices are higher than in rural cantons.

These cantonal figures are model values as well, not quotes: calculator scenarios for the same apartment, not cantonal averages. Actual quote totals may cover different sizes and services. For a wider comparison across cleaning types, use the Swiss cleaning price guide.

Factors That Influence the Price

1. Size of the Apartment (Most Important Factor)

The price per square metre is the basis. For larger apartments, the price per m² decreases slightly because certain fixed costs (travel, materials) remain the same.

2. Condition of the Apartment

A heavily soiled apartment or one with limescale deposits in the bathroom costs significantly more than a well-maintained one. Expect a surcharge of 20-40% for heavy soiling.

3. Kitchen and Bathroom, The Most Expensive Rooms

These rooms are the most labour-intensive to clean. The following points in particular increase the price:

4. Number of Wet Rooms

Each additional bathroom or WC means extra work. A guest WC costs approx. CHF 40-80 extra, a second full bathroom CHF 80-150.

5. Flooring Type

Parquet and natural stone require special care products and more caution than laminate or tiles.

6. Region and Timing

In Zurich and Geneva, prices tend to be 15-25% higher than in rural areas. At the end of the month (lease termination dates) and in spring, prices rise due to high demand.

What Is Included in a Move-Out Cleaning?

A professional move-out cleaning typically includes:

Kitchen:

Bathroom/WC:

All Rooms:

Exterior:

Handover Guarantee (Abnahmegarantie), Why It Matters

Many professional cleaning companies offer a handover guarantee (Abnahmegarantie). This means: if the landlord or property management finds deficiencies at the apartment handover (Wohnungsübergabe), the cleaning company returns free of charge and rectifies the issues.

Why is this important?

Before booking: Have the company confirm the guarantee in writing, including the deadline for reporting cleaning defects, the areas covered, corrective cleaning and any attendance at the handover. The guarantee concerns the agreed cleaning work; it is not a promise that your landlord will return the entire deposit.

Do It Yourself vs. Professional: Is It Worth It?

Cost comparison for a 3-room apartment (approx. 75 m²):

How to decide: Cleaning yourself can make sense when you have the time, equipment and a clear handover checklist. A company can take on the cleaning and agreed corrective work. Compare the written scope and total price before deciding.

How to Save on Your Move-Out Cleaning

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I required to hire a professional cleaning service?

You can generally clean the apartment yourself. Check the cleaning requirements in your lease and agree the handover checklist. If you hire a company, confirm the scope and any handover guarantee in writing.

Who pays for the move-out cleaning, tenant or landlord?

Tenants generally arrange the cleaning required for return. Check whether your lease instead provides for a cleaning charge, and clarify any planned renovation before booking a full clean.

How far in advance should I book?

Ideally 2-3 weeks, especially at the end of the month. During peak season (March, June), we recommend 3-4 weeks lead time.

What happens if the handover inspection is not passed?

Report cleaning defects promptly and follow the written guarantee's procedure for corrective cleaning. Confirm availability at the handover and the areas covered before booking; a cleaning guarantee does not cover unrelated damage or promise the return of the entire deposit.

Conclusion

For a 3.5-room, 85 m² apartment in the reference canton Bern, budget CHF 980-1'360 without a guarantee or CHF 1'270-1'770 with the calculator's guarantee option. These are planning estimates. Your company's written offer sets the actual price, included work and guarantee.

Compare free move-out cleaning quotes, or prepare your room-by-room brief with the apartment handover checklist.