Swiss tenancy law
Articles 253 to 274g of the Code of Obligations govern the tenancy: notice periods and dates, rent increases using the officially approved form, deposit of the security, and challenging the initial rent.
Definition
Formal requirements are not a formality here: a rent increase without the canton’s official form is void, and so is a landlord’s termination without the prescribed form. Whoever gives notice correctly but writes it wrongly has not given notice.
The security belongs in an account in the tenant’s name — not the manager’s account. Periods and dates follow the contract and, in addition, local custom, and are not negotiable once missed.
Where to read it
What the software must be able to do
Property management software must calculate the deadlines per contract and produce the official forms of the correct canton. Self-written letters produce contestable documents — and challenges cost more than any program.
Checked Aug 2026
More terms under Property and tenancy: Condominium ownership Renovation fund Service-charge statements