What if no report is drawn up?

Write one yourself and document the condition with photographs. Without a report it becomes difficult for the landlord to substantiate later claims — but also difficult for you to prove your position.

Can the landlord raise new defects later?

In principle no. Defects must be raised at the handover. Only hidden defects can be claimed afterwards, and then without delay once discovered.

Process & handover

Handover Report (Übergabeprotokoll)

Also known as: Move-out report · Inspection report · Abgabeprotokoll · Rückgabeprotokoll

The handover report (Übergabeprotokoll) is the written document in which the condition of a rented property and every defect identified are recorded at the apartment handover. It is the decisive piece of evidence in later disputes about charges made to the outgoing tenant.

What belongs in it

A usable report lists room by room what is in what condition. It states the meter readings, the number of keys handed over and the condition of the appliances, and it records which defects are being objected to. For every defect it should say who is responsible for it and what amount is being estimated.

A report that merely says «apartment in order» — or, conversely, a blanket «various defects» — is practically worthless. Insist on specific entries with specific figures.

Entering reservations correctly

If you disagree with an objection, have it noted in the report — for example with the wording «tenant disputes position X». Then sign with the addition «unter Vorbehalt» (subject to reservation).

If the landlord refuses to record your reservations, do not sign, and put the reason in writing. Photograph the disputed condition and send your version in writing the same day, in a way that lets you prove it was sent.

Deadlines after the handover

The landlord must raise defects immediately at the handover. Anything not recorded in the report can in principle no longer be claimed afterwards — the exception being hidden defects that could not be identified by careful inspection. Those must be raised without delay once discovered.

A case from practice

A tenant in Bülach hands over his apartment; the report records no defects. Three weeks later the property manager demands CHF 900 for re-cleaning the kitchen. Because the kitchen was inspected at the handover and no objection was raised, and this is not a hidden defect, the claim is late. The tenant rejects it with reference to the report.

Services that cover this

All-Inclusive Package Apartment Clearance Zurich

Frequently asked questions about Handover Report (Übergabeprotokoll)

Back to the glossary 4.8(42)

Would you like a quote?

Free on-site assessment, a fixed price, and final cleaning with a handover guarantee (Abgabegarantie) — we stand behind the result at the official handover inspection.

4.8(42)

Contact

Locations

Social