As a tenant, you have a range of rights and obligations. Let's go through them together.
Marlboro man.
"I smoke. So what? »
We won't lecture you, that's not our role.
Also, as a tenant, you have the right to smoke in your property.
A landlord, although not having to justify the reason for a refusal of a rental application, cannot prohibit you from going about your business as you see fit, nicotine included.
Be careful though; If your walls change from a pristine white to a semblance of yellow, you'll likely have to pay for a fresh coat of paint. The same goes for any trace left by a cigarette butt.
All the colors of the rainbow.
Speaking of colors...
Do you have a penchant for fuchsia or azure blue?
Don't ask yourself the question anymore. Yes, you have the right to paint your walls as you see fit.
If you are an artist at heart (our children naturally are), you can even draw a fresco. It is not the result that counts but the expression of your lower self! So you can warm up your credit card!
But beware... The landlord has the right to demand that the property be restored to the original colour when the time comes. This is often the case during an inventory of fixtures.
The jungle on the terrace.
Do you prefer to give free rein to your artistic aspirations by furnishing your exteriors with a cluster of exotic plants?
Does your terrace look like a Koh-Lanta show?
No problem, that's your right too.
But be careful again... Always keep in mind the famous principle "One person's freedom ends where another's begins."
If the neighborhood is impacted, you may have to change your plans.
It's only a month's delay!
An oversight can happen quickly and cash flow problems are not uncommon. In this case, when it comes to honouring the payment of rent, your rights are very limited.
In short, you have an obligation to pay your rent within the defined deadlines. No exceptions.
In the event of a delay, your landlord can revoke your lease.
Your only right is to be notified in writing and to have at least one month to regularise your situation.
There are several solutions to avoid more problems, such as applying for credit. Of course, you must be aware that this commits you to repaying it every month.
The toilet does not flush!
It's annoying.
These are small repairs such as gaskets, taps, flushing toilets, lighting, etc. Each situation deserves its own analysis.
In general, if it is a design defect, a construction or assembly error, you have the right to ask your landlord to intervene.
If these are small costs to be covered following the effects due to your personal use, we advise you to pay for this and to maintain a good relationship with your landlord.
A tiger in the living room...
Are you a pet lover?
You are entitled to have them, but you may have to ask for prior authorization.
A mouse, a rabbit, a parakeet... You can have some at home. As always, this should not bother your neighbours. This being said, in principle, no problem.
A cat, a dog... This is more complicated. You will need to ask your landlord for approval. If it is not mentioned in the ad or lease, make sure you do this before welcoming Snowy and Mimi into your home.
A tiger... No. No need to explain why.
Always higher!
If your landlord decides to increase your rent following renovations, he or she can notify you of this in order to apply the increase.
However, you have the right to contest it. This will be followed by negotiations and even a court judgment.
Anticipation and healthy and direct communication with your landlord are therefore important in order to avoid any conflict.
It's often more expensive and in the end, everyone loses.
"To paint or not to paint? That is the question. »
Repeat the question of who paints what and when. In this case, let's think about the exit inventory.
You have not changed anything and you have shown a respectful use of the premises without causing any damage. On the other hand, a new coat of paint would be deserved in order to welcome new tenants in good conditions.
Are you, despite everything, required to assume these works and costs?
The short answer is "no."
If it is natural wear and tear without you having caused visible damage, there is no obligation to cover this cost.
Common sense.
As is often the case in life, common sense is usually enough to know whether we are the beneficiaries of rights or required to respect obligations.
However, a grey area will always exist. Lawyers and judges must be able to earn a living.
However, try to avoid the "trial" box because it is long and expensive.
Plan ahead by inquiring with associations specialising in tenants' rights, communicate clearly and respectfully with your landlord and use common sense if a solution to a dispute is possible through an amicable arrangement.
And Milenia in all this?
For those who know us, Milenia is the reference financing platform in Switzerland.
Beyond the job of experts in credit solutions, which is important to us, what is most important to us is to support our customers in their life stages.
After all, lucky or less lucky, employees or independent entrepreneurs, singles or couples, beneficiaries of aid or wealthy people... We are all confronted with the vagaries of life.
Milenia informs and advises all its customers on these hazards, both in terms of causes and solutions.
In the end, our goal is to make our customers' lives better, to be by their side when they carry out their projects and during more difficult times.
So, whether you want to repaint your apartment, redesign your exteriors, travel to see a tiger in its natural habitat or renovate a property that belongs to you... Sometimes a helping hand is needed.
And do you know who will always be there to concoct the best possible credit report for you, respectful of your budget, your reality and on the best terms?
Milenia, quite naturally!