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Rental agreementis the first referenceCheck the cleaning clause
UrbanHome · Moving guide
Leaving an apartment broom-clean: What does “broom-clean” mean when handing back a rental property?
In Switzerland, handing back an apartment “broom-clean” does not simply mean sweeping the floors once. The rental agreement and regional practices are decisive. Kitchens and bathrooms, in particular, often still need thorough cleaning even when a broom-clean handover has been agreed.
Author: Nikita von Niederhäuser, UrbanHome real estate expert Updated: · Reading time: approx. 11 minutes
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Kitchen & bathroomoften need thorough cleaningeven when broom-clean
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CHF 6/m²regional flat rate in northwestern Switzerlandnot a nationwide tariff
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Wear ≠ dirtassess normal wear separatelyArt. 267 CO
Meaning
Clear out. Clean. Check the lease.
“Broom-clean” sounds simple, but it does not automatically mean sweeping once and handing back the keys.
The agreement and local practice matter
01
Empty the apartment completely
Personal belongings, waste and heavy dirt must be removed. Do not forget the cellar, attic storage, garage or other storage areas included in the tenancy.
02
Read the rental agreement first
Check the management company's handover and cleaning provisions. This tells you whether broom-clean, thorough cleaning or another standard was agreed.
03
Kitchens and bathrooms are special cases
Depending on regional practice, the requirements may be considerably stricter than for living rooms or bedrooms.
Swiss tenancy law
What does Swiss tenancy law say about handing back an apartment?
Article 267 of the Swiss Code of Obligations requires tenants to return the property in the condition resulting from use in accordance with the agreement. Normal wear and tear therefore does not generally give rise to a compensation claim against the tenant. [3]
Cleaning and wear should be assessed separately: an old parquet floor does not have to look brand new. Removable dirt, grease or limescale may, however, be a cleaning issue.
At the handover, the landlord must inspect the property and generally notify the tenant immediately of defects for which they intend to hold the tenant responsible. Recent Zurich case law further clarifies this duty for readily visible defects. [4]
Northwestern Switzerland
“Broom-clean” plus a flat cleaning charge
In northwestern Switzerland, many rental agreements provide for a broom-clean handover. Under this regional practice, a flat charge of CHF 6 per square metre is often quoted for subsequent thorough cleaning. [1]
60
Example: 60 m²
CHF 360
At CHF 6 per square metre, the calculated flat cleaning charge is CHF 360.
90
Example: 90 m²
CHF 540
At CHF 6 per square metre, the calculated flat cleaning charge is CHF 540.
Not a nationwide statutory tariff
The CHF 6 per square metre figure reflects a described regional practice. The specific provisions of your rental agreement remain decisive.
Cleaning requirements
What needs to be cleaned for a “broom-clean” handover?
According to the northwestern Swiss practice described by the Swiss Tenants' Association, the following tasks are particularly expected. [2]
01
Kitchen
Clean thoroughly
Remove grease and clean kitchen cupboards.
Often forgotten: cupboard interiors and handles.
02
Oven
Remove grease and food residues
Often forgotten: baking trays, racks and door seals.
03
Refrigerator
Empty and clean
Check drawers, seals and any lingering odours.
04
Extractor hood
Remove grease
Replace filter inserts under the described practice.
05
Bathroom & WC
Clean and remove limescale
Pay particular attention to taps, shower screens and joints.
06
Living areas
Clean the floors
Vacuum or mop the floors; check corners and skirting boards.
07
Cellar
Floor and cobwebs
Mop the floor and remove any belongings left behind.
Not included
What generally does not need thorough cleaning under the “broom-clean” standard?
Under the described northwestern Swiss practice, the following areas are generally not included in the tenant's cleaning obligations. [2]
01
WindowsWindows and woodwork
Under this regional practice, windows, window frames and woodwork do not have to be thoroughly cleaned.
02
Other areasRoller shutters and radiators
Roller shutters and dust behind radiators are also generally excluded from the described broom-clean requirements.
The agreement may differ
A specific contractual provision may change the required cleaning standard.
Direct comparison
Broom-clean or thorough end-of-tenancy cleaning?
The main differences concern living areas, windows, blinds and other surfaces. Under the regional broom-clean practice described here, kitchens and bathrooms still need thorough cleaning.
01
Living areas
Broom-clean
Vacuum or mop the floor.
Thorough cleaning
Thoroughly clean floors, surfaces, cupboards and other areas.
02
Kitchen
Thorough cleaning in both cases
The kitchen must also be cleaned thoroughly under the described broom-clean arrangement.
03
Bathroom & WC
Clean and descale
Thorough cleaning is expected even when the apartment is returned broom-clean.
04
Windows
The major difference
Generally excluded from the described regional broom-clean standard. Full final cleaning normally includes accessible windows inside and outside, along with window sills.
05
Blinds & roller shutters
Check the rental agreement
Generally excluded from the regional broom-clean requirements. For thorough final cleaning, clean them according to the agreement and accessibility.
Conversion & renovation
What does “broom-clean” mean before a complete renovation?
If a complete renovation is scheduled immediately after the tenant moves out, the Swiss Tenants' Association describes a considerably reduced standard: sweep the floor and clean the kitchen and bathroom sufficiently for tradespeople to use or touch fixtures and appliances without unreasonable dirt. [2]
If only part of the apartment is renovated, the relaxation generally applies only to that area. For example, windows due to be replaced need not be cleaned extensively, but normal cleaning requirements may still apply to the rest of the apartment.
Apartment handover
Organising the handover report and any additional cleaning
Cleaning, damage and normal wear should be documented separately and clearly during the handover.
01
Handover reportOnly sign if you agree
The Swiss Tenants' Association recommends signing only a report whose contents you accept. You are not obliged to sign it. [1]
Identify the precise areas being disputed
Take photographs
Document dirt and damage separately
02
Cleaning companyAgree on a handover guarantee
If you hire a cleaning company, it is advisable to agree on a written handover guarantee.
The Swiss Tenants' Association recommends having someone from the cleaning company present or immediately available at the handover so that any necessary additional cleaning can be carried out without delay. [1]
Before the handover
In
10
steps to leave an apartment broom-clean.
These ten steps help you prepare for an organised apartment handover.
GoalA clean, documented handover
01
Agreement
Check cleaning requirements
Review the rental agreement and handover information for the exact cleaning provisions.
02
Standard
Broom-clean or thorough?
Clarify whether broom-clean, thorough cleaning or a flat charge has been agreed.
03
Clearance
Empty all rooms
Completely clear the apartment, cellar, attic storage, garage and other ancillary areas.
04
Kitchen
Clean the kitchen thoroughly
Clean cupboards, oven, refrigerator and extractor hood.
05
Bathroom
Descale the bathroom and WC
Clean sanitary fittings thoroughly and remove limescale.
06
Floors
Clean living areas
Vacuum or mop the floors in the remaining rooms.
07
Cellar
Check ancillary rooms
Mop the cellar floor and remove cobwebs.
08
Inspection
Check room by room
Inspect all rooms and take photographs before the handover.
09
Keys
Prepare your documents
Collect all keys and documents for the property handover.
10
Follow-up cleaning
Record specific complaints
Document any objections and organise agreed additional cleaning promptly.
Practical examples
Two typical situations
01
Basel
2.5-room apartment with a broom-clean clause
The rental agreement provides for broom-clean handover plus a flat cleaning charge. The kitchen and bathroom are thoroughly cleaned, while the other floors are vacuumed or mopped.
Under the regional practice described, windows and roller shutters do not require thorough cleaning.
02
No special clause
No broom-clean provision in the agreement
If the contract contains no special cleaning provision, a thorough final cleaning of the apartment and its ancillary rooms should generally be planned.
Checklist
Leaving an apartment broom-clean
These ten items should be completed before the keys are handed over.
01–05
Before cleaningPreparation completed
Rental agreement checked
Cleaning standard clarified
Apartment completely emptied
Cellar and ancillary rooms cleared
Supplies or cleaning company organised
06–10
Before the handoverApartment ready for inspection
Kitchen thoroughly cleaned
Bathroom and WC cleaned and descaled
Floors cleaned
Photographs taken
Keys and handover report prepared
Sources
Sources and legal information
The legal and practical statements are based on information from the Swiss Tenants' Association, the Swiss Code of Obligations and recent Zurich case law.
Legal information and sources reviewed on .
- Swiss Tenants' Association: Property handover and handover report (German-language original)
- Swiss Tenants' Association: What must tenants clean when moving out? (German-language original)
- Fedlex: Swiss Code of Obligations, Articles 267 and 267a
- District Court of Winterthur / Zurich case law 2026 on Articles 267 and 267a (German-language original)
This guide is not a substitute for individual legal advice.
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Direct answers
Frequently asked questions about broom-clean apartments and handovers
Essential answers, clearly explained.
10Questions & answers
There is no uniform statutory definition throughout Switzerland. The rental agreement and regional practice are decisive.
Generally not under the northwestern Swiss practice described. Windows, frames, woodwork and roller shutters are not part of its thorough cleaning requirements.
Yes. Under the described regional practice, kitchens and bathrooms still require thorough cleaning despite the broom-clean clause.
Yes. Under the described northwestern Swiss practice, bathroom limescale must be removed as part of cleaning.
In that case, the apartment and its ancillary rooms should generally be thoroughly cleaned.
No. The arrangement is particularly common in northwestern Switzerland. The contract and local practice remain decisive.
A significantly reduced cleaning standard may suffice if a complete renovation begins immediately after the tenant moves out.
No. The result matters. If you hire a cleaning company, a written handover guarantee is advisable.
Generally not. Normal wear and tear is part of the agreed use of the property.
Record the exact area in the report, take photographs and arrange any agreed additional cleaning as quickly as possible.
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Key takeaways
Conclusion: “Broom-clean” usually means more than a quick sweep
In Switzerland, “broom-clean” usually means more than sweeping the floor once. Start by checking the rental agreement.
Under the northwestern Swiss practice described, kitchens and bathrooms still need thorough cleaning, while windows, window frames, woodwork and roller shutters are generally excluded.
Without a special broom-clean arrangement, tenants should generally plan for thorough end-of-tenancy cleaning. Photographs and a detailed handover report can help avoid unnecessary disputes.
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