🏠 Rent Deposit in Switzerland – What Can You Do If You’re New and Don’t Have the Money?

Sziveri Lajos · February 7, 2026

In Switzerland, one of the biggest challenges when renting an apartment is the so-called rent deposit (security deposit).
This is especially difficult for people who have just arrived in Switzerland and don’t yet have several thousand Swiss francs saved.

That’s why we summarize what solutions exist and how SwissCaution / rent deposit insurance works in practice.

🔹 How much is the rent deposit in Switzerland?

Most landlords ask for:

an amount equal to 2–3 months’ rent
this must be provided when moving in

Example:

1,500 CHF monthly rent → 3,000–4,500 CHF deposit

⚠️ Important:
The deposit is legal, and the landlord is not required to waive it.

❓ What if you don’t have the money?

For newcomers, there are several realistic solutions.

✅ SOLUTIONS if you don’t have the money

1️⃣ Deposit insurance (Mietkautionsversicherung) – the MOST COMMON solution

👉 This is the most realistic option for newcomers.

How does it work?

you don’t pay several thousand francs at once
instead, you pay an annual fee
the insurance company guarantees the deposit to the landlord

👉 The landlord receives an insurance certificate instead of cash.

Cost:

approx. 5–10% per year of the deposit amount

For example:

3,000 CHF deposit → 150–300 CHF / year

⚠️ Important to know:

you do not get this money back like a cash deposit
but you can move in immediately

👉 Many landlords accept this, especially in cities and with new tenants.

🔹 SwissCaution – rent deposit insurance in detail

SwissCaution is a well-known rent deposit insurance provider in Switzerland that guarantees the deposit to the landlord on behalf of the tenant.

How does it work in practice?

You rent an apartment
The landlord asks for a deposit
Instead of cash, you provide a SwissCaution certificate
The insurer takes on the risk
You pay an annual fee

💰 How much does SwissCaution cost?

Generally:

around 5–10% per year of the deposit amount

Examples:

3,000 CHF deposit → 150–300 CHF / year
4,500 CHF deposit → 225–450 CHF / year

⚠️ Important:

this money is not refundable
it is an insurance fee, not savings

💳 How do you pay?

Payment is usually:

annually

Methods:

automatic bank debit
eBill
bank transfer

⚠️ If you don’t pay, the insurance can be cancelled, which may cause problems with your rental.

⚠️ What happens when you move out?

if there is no damage, there is nothing more to do
if damage occurs:
- the insurer pays the landlord
- afterward, the insurer claims the amount back from you

👉 Deposit insurance is not a gift, but a guarantee.

👍 Advantages and disadvantages – briefly

✅ Advantages

no need for several thousand francs upfront
fast move-in
ideal for newcomers

❌ Disadvantages

the fee is not refundable
can be more expensive in the long term
in case of damage, you must pay

🔁 Other possible solutions

🔹 Installment payment with the landlord

rare, but possible
more common with private landlords
always in writing

🔹 Employer assistance

advance payment or interest-free loan
mainly in shortage occupations

❌ What you should NOT do

borrow money from strangers
rent illegally without a deposit
use fake certificates

👉 These can have serious consequences in Switzerland.

📌 Zurich TV Info summary

If you are new in Switzerland and don’t have the rent deposit:

deposit insurance (SwissCaution) is the most common solution
it’s not free, but it allows you to move in
always have a written agreement

📍 Zurich TV Info aims to present clear, realistic solutions for everyday life in Switzerland.