Rental contract: Your rights and duties

The rental contract regulates rent, additional costs and termination. Here you find out what is in it and who helps you.

The rental contract

The rental contract (Mietvertrag) is usually in writing. Read it carefully before you sign. You do not understand something? Ask or have it translated.

Do not sign anything you do not understand. The contract contains: rent, additional costs (Nebenkosten), deposit (Kaution), notice period and house rules.

Additional costs (Nebenkosten)

Additional costs (Nebenkosten) are for example heating and hot water. You only pay additional costs that are in the contract.

Often you pay an advance (Akonto) every month. Once a year the statement comes. Then you pay extra or get money back.

Check the statement. You may see the receipts.

Termination

The notice period is usually 3 months. The dates are in the contract. Give notice in writing and by registered mail.

All persons in the contract must sign.

The landlord gives notice? He must use an official form. You have 30 days to defend yourself.

For this you go to the conciliation authority (Schlichtungsbehörde, the office that helps with disputes in tenancy law). Get advice quickly.

Reporting defects

Something is broken or mould is growing? Report this in writing to the landlord. The landlord must repair major defects.

You pay for small repairs yourself. He does not fix anything? The tenants' association (Mieterverband) tells you what you can do.

Mieterverband Luzern

The tenants' association Mieterinnen- und Mieterverband Luzern advises you on tenancy law. Phone: 041 220 10 22. Membership costs CHF 70 per year.

For general questions you can also ask FABIA. This is free.

What you can do now

  1. Read your rental contract. Mark what you do not understand.
  2. Check the additional costs statement every year.
  3. Always report defects in writing.
  4. In case of dispute or termination: Call the Mieterverband Luzern, 041 220 10 22.

This app does not replace a doctor or counselling.

Kanton Luzern, Grüezi-Portal: Wohnung mieten (2026-09-21)

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