Distances are short in Switzerland and public transport is efficient. As the Lausanne property market is competitive, you may benefit from extending your search area, and the prices may also be more attractive.
Living off campus
Search engines
There are many websites listing apartments and houses to rent in the Lausanne region. They will allow you to define your search criteria and programme alerts in order to receive emails with information about properties newly on the market.
Here is a non-exhaustive list:
Please note that some communes do not accept accommodation booked via airbnb and other similar platforms without the "attestation du logeur" document. If you need to register your arrival in order to apply for a residence permit, be sure to check with the landlord and the local authority.
Estate agents
Estate agents also publish advertisements on their own websites. You might wish to call them to check what is available.
Small ads
You should also check the “small ads” section in the local press, or use it yourself to publish an advertisement about your search.
Personal networking and social networks
People often find accommodation through their own networks and through social networks. Think about letting those around you (for example your future colleagues at UNIL) know that you are looking for an apartment or a house.
Beware of scams!
Beware of adverts which look too good to be true (low price, perfect location, individually managed etc.) particularly when a money transfer is requested (via Western Union, MoneyGram, RIA etc.)
- If possible, visit the accommodation or contact the person by phone, before renting and paying a deposit.
- Never transfer money through Western Union, MoneyGram or similar financial service company.
- If you are asked for a deposit or payment of the first rent in advance, make sure that the payment will be done onto a Swiss bank account.
- When making contact, beware of so-called landlords or tenants who have to travel abroad for business reasons and then suggest that the formalities be handled by a third person. (different e-mail addresses, etc.)
In case of doubt, please contact the Welcome Centre for advice.
When you find accommodation that interests you, follow the guidance given in the advertisement. If necessary, contact the estate agent or the person who published the advertisement as soon as possible to:
- Ask for the rental form
- Confirm what documents are required, if necessary
- Arrange to visit the premises*.
Prepare a file with the papers required (dossier de candidature) before the visit. You can hand it over if the visit confirms your interest.
Unless the advertisement states otherwise, your file should contain:
- The estate agent or owner’s rental form
- Copies of residence permits
- Copies of passports
- A recent payslip (last three months) or a copy of your contract of employment
- An extract from the debt collection register, containing all outstanding debts and legal proceedings against an individual or legal entity (if you have been in Switzerland for more than three months)
- A copy of your public liability insurance certificate
- A cover letter can help to learn more about you or your family (optional).
* Group visits are common. You can then attend at the advertised time, with your file, and hand it over there and then, if the visit confirms your interest.
Contract
If the response is positive, you should enter into a rental agreement with the agency or owner. This means signing a tenancy agreement, including as a minimum your name, the rent, the costs of heating and water and any additional charges, and a description of the apartment (size, which floor etc.) and the duration of the contract.
Deposit
When you sign the rental agreement, the agency or owner will ask you for a deposit. This deposit is generally equal to three months’ rent. Sometimes, only a month’s rent is required, depending on the contract.
The deposit is non-negotiable.
It may be deposited in a fixed interest bank account. It is given back to the tenant when he or she leaves the apartment, if no serious damage is identified.
There are companies which offer to provide the guarantee for you, through a loan. This avoids the need to block several thousand Swiss francs.
You will have to pay a fixed and annual premium to the company which pays the deposit for you.
Do not hesitate to contact the Welcome Centre for more information.
Information on furnished studios is available here.
Youth hostel in Lausanne.
You can stay for short periods in private accommodation through Airbnb
Other temporary accommodation options can be found on the Lausanne Tourisme website
Find a hotel that suits your budget
