Sometimes you need to act fast: a new job, a bigger flat. If you want to leave the lease before the ordinary termination date, the replacement tenant is the key.

The right to leave early

In Switzerland, you can end the lease early if you present a reasonable and solvent replacement tenant willing to take over the lease on the same terms. The landlord must accept them, barring important reasons.

What is a reasonable replacement tenant?

A reasonable replacement tenant is solvent, has a clean debt collection register extract and is willing to take over the lease unchanged. The better you prepare and document them, the harder it is for the landlord to refuse.

Tip: Ideally present three suitable candidates. The landlord can then hardly claim that none is reasonable.

Where to find replacement tenants?

Use online portals, social media, notices and your personal network. An attractive listing with good photos and all the important information attracts interested parties more quickly.

Process and deadlines

Once you've found a replacement tenant, inform the landlord in writing by registered mail. They then have a reasonable period to review them. If accepted, your payment obligation ends when the replacement tenant moves in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Must the landlord accept any replacement tenant?
No, but they must accept a reasonable, solvent tenant taking over the lease on the same terms.
How many replacement tenants should I propose?
Ideally three suitable candidates, to minimise the risk of refusal.
When does my payment obligation end?
As soon as the reasonable replacement tenant takes over and moves in, even before the ordinary date.