You often must submit an extract from the Debt Enforcement Register with your apartment application in Switzerland. But why is this necessary? And how do you obtain this extract? We explain it in this article.
What is the Extract from the Debt Enforcement Register?
The Debt Enforcement Register serves to verify a person’s creditworthiness. It shows whether a person has had any debt enforcement actions in the last five years. A landlord or management company in Switzerland almost always requires this extract when applying for an apartment.
This allows the landlord to ensure that the potential tenant has paid their bills and will also be able to pay the rent and additional costs for the new apartment.
How much does an extract from the Debt Enforcement Register cost?
An extract from the Debt Enforcement Register typically costs around 20 Swiss francs and is valid for three months.
How to request an Extract from the Debt Enforcement Register
In most cantons, you can apply for the extract from the Debt Enforcement Register online on the website of your residence canton. Alternatively, you can submit the application by mail or visit the cantonal office in person.
Good to know: If you have changed cantons in the last five years, you should also request an extract from the Debt Enforcement Register of your previous residence canton. This will help avoid misunderstandings regarding unpaid bills with your new landlord.
How to find an apartment when you have Debt Enforcement Actions
Finding an apartment despite having debt enforcement actions can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Here are some tips to increase your chances:
Time is your best ally
Debt enforcement actions remain in the register for five years. If your last enforcement action was four years ago, it might be worth waiting a few more months to present a “clean” dossier and improve your chances.
Request the deletion of your Debt Enforcement Actions
Even if you have ultimately paid your bills, this doesn’t mean your debt enforcement actions have been removed. You can request the deletion of the entry from the register from the company that initiated the enforcement. The company may require financial compensation for this.
Recommendation letter from your previous landlord
If you have debt enforcement actions, a recommendation letter from your previous landlord can be very helpful. This can demonstrate your reliability. A letter confirming that you always paid your rent and additional costs on time can reassure potential landlords.
Honesty is the Best Policy. Everyone can understand that someone might forget a bill once in a while. Be transparent and openly discuss your situation with your future landlord. Explain your circumstances either during the apartment viewing or in your application letter.
We hope we have been able to assist you in your apartment search. You can find more tips and tricks for apartment hunting in our guide.
