What do I need to do before I rent out my holiday flat?

This list takes you from the decision to your first settlement. Tick off what you’ve done. Find details on each point in the guide to renting out a holiday flat.

1. Am I allowed to rent it out?

1. Get an extract from the land register and check whether a restriction on use under the Second Homes Act is noted.
2. If you own a condominium: check the deed of establishment, regulations and minutes for rental rules (condominium ownership).
3. If you’re a tenant: get your landlord’s consent, preferably in writing (subletting).
4. If you live abroad: check the conditions of your Lex Koller permit; year-round letting isn’t allowed (Lex Koller).
5. Check the rules in your canton and city: permits, registration, limits on the number of nights and minimum stays (rules by canton).
6. Decide whether to offer breakfast or services, and check the implications (breakfast and fire safety).

2. Register and get cover

1. Register as a landlord with your municipality or tourism organisation and get access to its reporting system (tourist tax).
2. Check how and by when guests must be registered in your canton (guest registration form).
3. In Ticino, apply for an identification number from Agenzia turistica ticinese; in the city of Lucerne, get a number from the city.
4. Inform your insurer in writing about the letting and get confirmation of your cover (insurance).
5. Prepare a privacy notice and information for your guests (data protection).

3. Get the flat ready

1. Have at least two sets of bed linen and towels for each bed.
2. Fully equipped kitchen: enough crockery for all guests, pans, knives, a coffee machine and basic supplies.
3. Test the Wi-Fi and put the password in the guest information folder.
4. Guest information folder with check-in details, house rules, rubbish and heating instructions, and emergency numbers 118, 144 and 117.
5. Install smoke alarms and put a fire blanket in the kitchen.
6. Provide a lockable cupboard for your personal belongings.
7. Arrange key handover: in person, via a key safe or through a neighbour.

4. Set prices and rules

1. Work out your cost per night and include channel fees (calculate your price).
2. Set seasonal prices and minimum stays.
3. Work out the cleaning fee (final cleaning).
4. Note the municipality’s tourist tax per person per night; add it separately to the bill.
5. Set out your cancellation policy, advance payment, security deposit and house rules in writing (tenancy law).

5. Listing and channels

1. Take photos in daylight and check you have permission to use any images from others (photos and description).
2. Write an honest description in two languages, including distances and costs.
3. Choose your channels: platforms, tourist office, your own website (platforms).
4. Sync the calendars for all your channels to avoid double bookings (channel manager).
5. Publish your own booking page with an imprint and the total price (direct bookings).

6. Your first booking

1. Check the enquiry and confirm the total price, including cleaning, extras and tourist tax.
2. Send a QR-bill for the advance payment and check that it’s been paid.
3. Ask the guest for the details needed for the guest registration form.
4. Send arrival information and house rules a few days before arrival.
5. On arrival, check the guest’s ID and complete the guest registration form in full, with a signature, while the federal rule is in force (guest registration).
6. Submit the registration within your canton’s deadline.

7. After the stay and your first settlement

1. Clean the flat and record the inventory and any damage with photos.
2. Settle the balance and any extras.
3. Settle and pay the tourist tax by your municipality’s deadline.
4. Keep guest registration forms for as long as your canton requires, then delete them.
5. Record your income, nights and costs for your tax return (taxes).
6. Keep an eye on your turnover: if it reaches CHF 100'000 a year, you’ll be liable for VAT (VAT).