FINDING ACCOMODATION

The following approaches to finding accommodation – to rent or buy – are tried and tested:

• Going through the ads in the local newspapers;
• Asking friends and acquaintances about accommodation about to become available;
• Contacting a property management company;
• Consulting one of the numerous Internet sites specialising in property.

RENT

People interested in accommodation usually first fill out a registration form. The information that has to be provided here is, for example, age, marital status, profession, children, residence status, employer, salary, pets. An extract from the debt collection register is often required to prove that someone can pay the rent. This document can be obtained from the canton of Schaffhausen Debt Collection Office or your last place of residence (outside the canton of Schaffhausen).

In most cases, a tenancy agreement also includes the general terms and conditions and the building regulations. Tenants usually have to pay a rental security deposit (guarantee) before they move into the apartment and this is then repaid after the tenancy agreement has ended. Alternatively there are service providers who act as guarantor to the landlord for an annual premium. In this way the money continues to be available during the tenancy agreement. The rent payment is normally due at the start of the month. In addition to the rent, the ancillary costs (heating, hot water, etc.) also have to be paid. If the agreement does not list any additional costs, check with the landlord or lessor about the detailed costs.

INFRASTRUCTURE

There is a range of suppliers for telephone, Internet and cable television. Which you can use depends on the region or place where you live. The services and prices vary so it is worth carrying out a comparison. If you want to erect a satellite dish you should first clarify this with the landlord, or ask neighbours. Public Internet access is available in Schaffhausen City Library, for example. The network voltage is 230 volts. Adapters for sockets are available from specialist stores.

HOUSE CONTENTS AND THIRD-PARTY LIABILITY INSURANCE

Taking out house contents and third-party liability insurance is highly recommended. With some tenancy agreements, this is even obligatory. These insurances cover certain damage, if an overflowing bath causes water damage, for example, or when there is a crack in a washbasin.

LIVING TOGETHER IN A HOUSE OF MULTIPLE OCCUPATION

All the tenants must be considerate of each other for co-existence in a rented property to work well. The essential points are normally set down in the building regulations.

Quiet times

The obligation to be quiet at night normally lasts from 10 pm to 7 am; lunchtime quiet time is from 12 noon to 1 pm. Noise must also be avoided on Sundays and public holidays. As a fundamental rule, the TV sets and music devices in apartments are to be kept at room volume. People who want to celebrate a party are advised to notify their neighbours in advance.

Communal spaces

Entrance, stairwell, laundry room, parking spaces, etc. are available to all tenants. It is important that tenants do not block these communally used spaces with their own things and ensure that they are kept clean. In many buildings, there are separate rules regarding who can use the laundry room and when. In most cases, smoking in the stairwells, in the lift or in communal areas is prohibited.

When problems occur

If something gets broken, the caretaker or the landlord/the property management company should be contacted. Particularly in larger buildings, the caretaker is there for minor repairs, as well as for safety and maintenance. Simple repairs or cleaning must be carried out and paid for by the tenants themselves, if it’s a matter of replacing the filter in the cooker hood, a baking tray or the shower hose.

If problems occur with the neighbours and dialogue no longer works, you can consult your caretaker or your property management company. If a solution cannot be found, you can contact the Conciliation Service for Rental Matters or the Tenants’ Association.

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY

Purchase of building land and residential property by foreign nationals is subject to certain restrictions. However, you do not need a permit to purchase residential property for your own home. The cantonal Land Registry or your estate agent will inform you about regulations that must be noted when purchasing land or residential property. The homeowners’ association or Verband Casafair (Casafair Association) can provide you with information about home ownership, give you the opportunity to seek legal advice or supply information on environmentally friendly living.

MEDIA ACCESS

Telephone and Internet connection

Switzerland has a well-developed telecommunications network. Access to telephones and the Internet is guaranteed virtually everywhere. You must register with a provider to get a telephone and Internet connection.

Radio and television

Radio and television programme reception is subject to a fee. This fee is charged by Serafe. Basically, all households in Switzerland have to pay a fee, regardless of whether they own a radio or television or not.

HOUSEHOLD AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

We help to protect our environment by disposing of waste properly. Your municipality will inform you about the environmentally friendly disposal of waste and will provide you with information about collection points, collection days and more. The service is financed by the waste collection fees. These are comprised of a basic and a volume-based fee. Recyclable materials can be handed in at collection points free of charge.

Domestic waste
Domestic waste collection is subject to a fee in all municipalities. Chargeable sacks or stamps are available from the municipal administrations, post offices and in various shops.

Green waste

Organic waste (green waste) can be disposed of separately from the rest of the domestic waste, free of charge, in various municipalities.

Glass, tins (white metal), plastic, aluminium and cooking oil

Glass, tins, plastic drinks bottles, aluminium and cooking oil must disposed of via collection points with containers or retailers.
Detailed information, including about disposal of bulky waste, chemicals, textiles, etc. can be found in documents from the municipality.

Paper and cardboard

Waste paper and cardboard are collected periodically or can be left at the designated disposal sites. The collection dates can also be found in the documents from the respective municipalities or in the daily press.

Batteries

In Switzerland it is the consumer’s responsibility to return all batteries, rechargeable batteries and car batteries and retailers are obliged to take them back free of charge. Appliance batteries can be returned to almost all stores.

Electrical and electronic devices

All electrically operated devices, plus accessories, can be handed in at the sales points for similar devices. The devices will be taken back free of charge, even if you do not buy a new one and irrespective of the brand.