Can a Swiss landlord ask all applicants for a copy of their ID and payslips?

According to the Federal Data Protection Commissioner, ID copies and proof of income should be requested only from the applicant who has been selected. A copy of the debt collection extract may be requested from all applicants.

How old can the debt collection extract be?

Most landlords and agencies accept an extract that is less than three months old. It shows debt collection proceedings and loss certificates linked to your place of residence.

How much rent deposit can a landlord ask for in Switzerland?

For residential leases, at most three months' rent (Art. 257e CO). It must be paid into a blocked savings account in the tenant's name, or replaced by a deposit guarantee insurance.

Documents for a rental application

A complete application file gets answered first. This checklist lists what Swiss landlords and property managers usually ask from applicants, and when they may ask it under the Federal Data Protection Commissioner's guidance. Property managers can send it to shortlisted applicants and receive every document in one place.

Send this list as a request

1
Completed application form for the property
Required
The landlord's or agency's form, signed by every future tenant.
2
Debt collection register extract (less than 3 months old)
Required
From the debt collection office of your place of residence, or online. One per adult tenant.
3
Copy of ID card or passport
Required
In Switzerland, usually requested once you are selected and the lease is being prepared.
4
Residence permit
If it applies
For foreign nationals: permit B, C, L or G, with its expiry date.
5
Last three payslips or employment contract
Required
Proof of income is requested from the selected applicant. New job: signed contract.
6
Latest tax assessment or accounts (self-employed)
If it applies
Replaces payslips for self-employed applicants.
7
Reference from your current landlord
If it applies
Contact details or a letter. References are contacted only with your consent.
8
Private liability insurance certificate
If it applies
Often requested in Switzerland; covers damage to the flat.
9
Guarantor's documents
If it applies
ID, proof of income and debt collection extract of the person standing surety.
10
Enrolment certificate (students)
If it applies
Usually combined with a guarantor or parental surety.
11
Short cover letter
If it applies
Who will live there, why this flat, preferred move-in date.
12
Proof of rent deposit or deposit guarantee
If it applies
At signing. In Switzerland the deposit is capped at three months' rent.

Your contact gets one email with this list, uploads each document from a link without an account, and is reminded until everything is in.

Send this list as a request

Tips

Order the debt collection extract early: online delivery takes a few hours to a few days depending on the canton.
Prepare one PDF per document and name the files clearly: Swiss landlords often decide within days.
Landlords may not ask about religion, marital status or the current rent; unsuccessful files must be destroyed after the letting.
In France, landlords may only request documents from an official list (decree no. 2015-1437).

Questions

Sources: edoeb.admin.ch · fedlex.admin.ch · post.ch · fr.ch · service-public.gouv.fr · gesetze-im-internet.de · boe.es