Rental Agreement Clauses Directory

We show you what to watch out for.

The Cost Trap of Minor Maintenance

Landlords often try to pass maintenance costs on to the tenants. Particularly popular: "Minor repairs".

What the contract says
"The tenant also assumes the costs for all other minor repairs [...], which in individual cases do not exceed 1% of the annual net rent."

Here our alarm bells are ringing. With a net rent of CHF 4150.– per month, 1% of the annual rent would mean that you have to pay for repairs up to CHF 498.– per case yourself.

That is massively too high. The limit for minor maintenance (e.g. replacing a shower hose, tightening screws) is significantly lower: Usually around CHF 150.– per repair case. If it costs more, the landlord must bear the entire bill, as usually expertise is required in such cases.

Conclusion
This clause is ineffective for the excess amount. You do not have to bear these high costs.