“When will I get my rent deposit back?”
When you leave a property, there is often a mixture of relief… and worry. The move is over, the keys have been returned, but one question almost always comes up: “When will I get my rent deposit back?” It’s a perfectly legitimate question. And for many tenants in Switzerland, it still means uncertain delays, administrative procedures and unnecessary stress.
The SmartCaution rent guarantee without deposit eliminates the waiting, stress and delays associated with bank releases. Because no money is tied up in an account, there is simply nothing to “get back” at the end of the lease. This is a major difference, often underestimated… until the day you leave your home.
Why traditional rent guarantees create so much waiting time
In Switzerland, the most common form of rent guarantee is still a blocked bank deposit. An amount of up to three months’ rent is frozen in an account in the tenant’s name, but cannot be accessed for the duration of the lease.
The problem does not arise when moving into the property… It arises when moving out. Even when everything goes well:
• the flat is left clean,
• no significant damage,
• overall satisfactory condition,
The guarantee is never released automatically.
It remains blocked until:
• the lease is officially terminated,
• the exit inventory has been validated,
• the landlord or property management company confirms in writing that there are no outstanding debts.
In practice, this often means:
• difficult-to-predict delays,
• pending final bills (cleaning, heating, service charges),
• and capital tied up for several weeks, sometimes several months.
The exit inventory: a key moment… and sometimes a source of anxiety
The exit inventory is always a decisive moment, regardless of the type of guarantee. This is when the landlord or property management company examines:
• the general condition of the property,
• cleanliness,
• any damage,
• certain administrative issues that are still outstanding.
Even when everything seems to be in order, it is not uncommon to hear:
“Everything is in order, but we are still waiting for the final bill before releasing the deposit.”
With a bank guarantee, this means continuing to wait.
With the SmartCaution rent guarantee without deposit, no money is tied up.
What our SmartCaution no-deposit rent guarantee actually changes
With a no-deposit rent guarantee:
• no money is tied up in a bank account,
• there is no refund process to complete,
• the end of the lease simply corresponds to the end of a contractual commitment.
For the tenant, the difference is immediate:
• no capital is tied up,
• no dependence on the speed of the property management company or the bank,
• no financial uncertainty when moving out.
When the lease ends without any outstanding debts, the guarantee is lifted administratively, with no financial implications for the tenant. This is a real comfort, particularly appreciated when moving house.
What if there is a disagreement with the property management company?
Disagreements can arise in any situation:
• disputed damage,
• disputed amounts,
• different interpretations of the inventory.
The major difference concerns financial pressure.
• With a bank deposit, the money remains frozen for the duration of the dispute.
• With a no-deposit guarantee, no personal funds are tied up.
The dispute is dealt with on its merits, without the immediate stress of having funds tied up.
Anticipating remains important… but becomes much more peaceful
Certain reflexes remain essential, regardless of the type of guarantee:
• keep the entry inventory,
• repair minor defects before moving out,
• communicate clearly with the property management company,
• ask about deadlines as soon as the inventory is completed.
The difference with a no-deposit guarantee is simple: these steps can be taken without the worry of tied-up capital.
In practice, what should you expect?
With a bank rent guarantee
• release generally a few weeks after the end of the lease,
• timeframes vary depending on the charges and the responsiveness of the management company,
• money blocked until full validation.
With a deposit-free rent guarantee like SmartCaution
• no refund period,
• no banking procedures,
• a smoother, simpler, more predictable end to the lease.
Recommended articles
• Preparing a rental application in Switzerland: the complete checklist to put the odds in your favour
• SmartCaution simplifies the rental process
• Calculate your personalised premium
