Writing your letter of termination of tenancy in Switzerland

Are you a tenant of a dwelling in Switzerland? Be aware that writing a termination letter is an essential step to end your rental agreement. Indeed, this document confirms your intention to leave the accommodation you occupy and to set the conditions for the end of the contract according to Swiss law. Note that:

• The termination letter must be written, signed, and sent by registered mail.
  
• The legal notice period and the termination dates vary depending on the canton and the type of lease.
  
• The content must be precise: identification of the parties, rented object, and desired end date.

How to terminate your rental contract for an apartment or a house in Switzerland?

First of all, we recall that the termination of a rental agreement is strictly governed by the Code of Obligations (CO) and by cantonal practices.

The rule of written form and registered mail

Your termination letter must imperatively be written and sent by registered mail. Indeed, this method of sending constitutes the only valid proof of the date of receipt by the landlord, which determines the starting point of the notice period.

If your letter arrives after the scheduled deadline, the termination is automatically postponed to the next contractual date. In other words, a delay of a few days can extend the lease by several months. Therefore, it is safer to send the letter at least about ten days before the deadline.

The necessity of all signatures

When several people are listed on the lease (couple, roommates), all tenants must sign the termination letter. Otherwise, the notice is considered void.

Note that the case of the family residence deserves particular attention: even if the lease is established in the name of only one spouse, the signature of the registered partner or spouse is essential for the termination to be valid.

Exceptional case: termination by the landlord

In Switzerland, termination initiated by the owner is only valid if carried out using an official form approved by the canton. Be careful: any notice given without this form is null and void. This requirement ensures that the tenant is clearly informed of his rights and remedies.

What is the regulatory notice period in Switzerland?

The notice period depends on the type of rented property and the local provisions. The lease contract may also provide more specific conditions, provided that they respect the legal minimum.

The minimum legal notice period

The Code of Obligations (CO) sets minimum periods:

• Three months for residential premises (Art. 266c CO)
  
• Six months for commercial premises (Art. 266d CO)
  

These periods may be extended by the contract but never reduced below the legal threshold.

Respecting the termination date

In Switzerland, termination dates are not uniform. Some cantons impose fixed dates:

• In Geneva or the canton of Vaud, terminations are allowed only on March 31, June 30, and September 30.
  
• Other cantons, like Zurich, allow termination at the end of any month except December.
  

In case of discrepancy, the lease contract always prevails. We therefore recommend checking the specific clauses relating to dates and deadlines before sending your letter.

What happens if the contract is for a fixed term?

For a fixed-term rental agreement, termination before expiry is not possible, unless with the landlord’s consent or by presenting a replacement tenant.

The latter must be solvent and willing to take over the lease under the same conditions. If the landlord refuses without valid justification, the tenant is released from obligations on the scheduled date.

How to write your termination letter?

Before entering into detail, a few basic rules: your termination letter must be clear, complete, and compliant with legal requirements. It must be understandable without ambiguity and allow the landlord to identify the request immediately.

Identification information

Your letter must mention your full contact details (and, if applicable, those of other tenants) as well as those of the landlord or management company.

You must also indicate the exact designation of the rented property: address, floor, door number, or any other detail appearing in the contract.

Formulating the subject and the termination

The subject of the letter must be explicit, for example: "Termination of the rental agreement for the apartment located at [full address]."

As for the desired exit date, it must be indicated precisely: "I hereby inform you of my intention to terminate the lease as of September 30, 2025, in accordance with the notice period provided in the contract."

Our advice: be as clear as possible to avoid any dispute regarding the applicable termination date.

Requests related to the end of the contract

Finally, your termination letter may also include practical requests:

• setting a date for the exit inspection,
  
• release of the rental deposit upon return of the accommodation,
  
• indication of the handover of keys on the agreed date.
  

Adding these elements to your letter shows your seriousness and facilitates coordination with the property managers.