WelcomePractical informationPratical informationAccommodation

Accommodation

Home sweet home!

In the canton of Vaud, finding somewhere to live can be slow and difficult due to the situation of the housing market. People usually rent an apartment or house through a housing agency. You can also look at the various website who advertise all possible options: Comparis, Homegate, Immoscout, Immostreet, Immobilier, Anibis. Some communes can offer subsidised housing for persons of low economic means.

First steps

Once a property is advertised, you can contact the tenant or the management office to arrange a visit. If you wish, you can prepare an application file beforehand containing: a registration form, your last 3 months payslips, a certification of no prosecution, and an identity document.

When a property is assigned to you, you need to sign a rental contract with the management office. It is normal to deposit a rent guarantee in a bank, generally the equivalent to 3 months rent.

Before signing the contract, you should inspect the state of the property, make sure that any damage done by the previous tenants is clearly indicated, if necessary ask for work to be done.

Within 8 days of moving, you must register with the inhabitant's office of your commune.

Support

In case you have problems with your property or your management office, the Swiss association of tenants (ASLOCA) can offer you legal help and advice for a 60 CHF fee each year.

If you have difficulty finding, searching or keeping a property, you can contact for example the fondation Le Relais.

Additional information

CUSTOM FORMALITIES

To bring your household goods from abroad (furniture, car etc.) you must transfer your address to Switzerland.

Then, during your move, you will need to present to the customs office:
• Renting lease or work contract as an attestation
• A customs form 18.44 “Customs treatment of moving effects”
The costs involved at this step can be deducted from your taxes. For more information visit the federal customs administration website.

SORTING WASTE

Most communes in the canton of Vaud have a “bag tax” system. Residents must buy specific rubbish bags in shops and are asked to sort their rubbish to protect the environment.

The rubbish bags should be used for everyday waste and placed in the large containers in your building or neighbourhood. Any recyclable goods, large or dangerous items are disposed of free of charge at designated sites near to your home.
Most buildings/neighbourhoods have containers to dispose of glass, paper or organic waste. Shopping centres usually have points to recycle aluminium, plastic (PET) and used batteries.
Electronic devices can be returned free of charge and without proof of purchase to a shop selling the devices (computers, mobile phones, TV, household appliances, HiFi, etc.).
For more information, contact the inhabitant's office in your commune or go to the States website.

BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOUR

Specifically, when living in rental buildings with multiple apartments, it is important to maintain good relations with your neighbours.

Specifically, when living in rental buildings with multiple apartments, it is important to maintain good relations with your neighbours.

Was this information useful?

Help us improve this platform by sending us your comments and suggestions.