Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find a wide selection of frequently asked questions together with the corresponding answers. Should you have further questions, please contact us either directly by email or telephone, or via our contact form.

Hereinafter, the party providing the living space shall be referred to as the Lessor, and the party taking over the living space for the fixed period shall be referred to as the Tenant. SMART DEPART is the intermediary party and provider of the related services.

  • Q: Between which parties does a contract exist?
    A: Two contracts exist, or even three if tapidapp is used: (1) a rental agreement between the Tenant and the Lessor, (2) a service agreement between the Lessor and SMART DEPART GmbH, and (3) a rental agreement between the Tenant and SMART DEPART GmbH for leased items .

    Q: To whom does the Tenant make payment, and who pays SMART DEPART GmbH for the services?
    A: The Tenant makes payment, including the deposit, to SMART DEPART GmbH. From the second month in which the property is rented, SMART DEPART GmbH transfers the amount due to the Lessor.

    Q: What if the apartment is not continuously rented out?
    A: Especially in the Zurich area, demand for attractive and affordable housing exceeds supply. Accordingly, a prolonged vacancy is highly unlikely. Until the property is rented out, the Lessor does not receive any rental income; however, the Lessor also does not incur any costs for the services of SMART DEPART GmbH.

  • Q: How does SMART DEPART GmbH ensure that the Tenants are reliable?
    A: SMART DEPART GmbH conducts a careful screening, including Google search, interviews, credit check, and references from the employer. In addition, SMART DEPART aims to propose up to three suitable Tenants – the final decision remains with you.

    Q: Who is responsible for potential damage to the property or the furnishings?
    A: If possible, the landlord should maintain the household insurance. Otherwise, SMART DEPART will arrange a separate insurance policy for third-party property. This covers damage to the inventory, e.g. through fire, water, or theft. To cover damages resulting from negligence, the Tenant is required to obtain personal liability insurance, which is a condition under the sublease agreement drafted by SMART DEPART GmbH. Such liability insurance covers “sudden” damages but does not include normal wear and tear. In addition to insurance, the Tenant must also provide a security deposit. For items transported and stored by SMART DEPART GmbH, coverage is provided through a business liability policy. To ensure transparency, SMART DEPART GmbH prepares an inventory of valuable items at handover and documents any pre-existing damages with photographs.

    Q: Who bears the costs if electrical appliances, such as the washing machine or refrigerator, are defective?
    A: Responsibility lies with the property owner, regardless of whether the property is owner-occupied or rented. In such cases, SMART DEPART will contact the owner or the property management directly.

  • Q: What if the Lessor decides to stay away longer?
    A: This is precisely the kind of situation where SMART DEPART GmbH provides the ideal solution. Ideally, the lease agreement can be extended with the existing Tenants. If this is not possible, SMART DEPART GmbH will find a new Tenant and ensure that the rental continues with minimal interruption.

    Q: What costs arise if SMART DEPART GmbH has to re-rent the property?
    A: For a re-letting, SMART DEPART charges a flat fee of CHF 1,000. This amount covers expenses for advertisements as well as tenant screening, documentation, and handover.

    Q: What if the Tenants wish to move out early?
    A: A fixed-term agreement exists between Lessor and Tenant. Such agreements generally cannot be terminated before expiry. Under Art. 266g CO, a tenancy (including subleases) may only be terminated early for just cause if continuation is unreasonable. Beyond the legal framework, SMART DEPART will mediate between Lessor and Tenant to reach the best possible solution and, if necessary, re-let the property.

    Q: What if the Lessor wants to return earlier than planned?
    A: A fixed-term agreement exists between the Lessor and the Tenant. Such agreements generally cannot be terminated before expiry. Under Art. 266g CO, a tenancy (including subleases) may only be terminated early for just cause if continuation is unreasonable. Beyond the legal framework, SMART DEPART GmbH will mediate between you and the Subtenant to reach the best possible solution.

  • Q: Wer übernimmt die am Anfang und am Ende anfallenden Reinigungskosten?
    A: Die Reinigung der Wohnung nach Ihrer Abreise ist dadurch abgedeckt, dass die erste Monatsmiete zugunsten von SMART DEPART geht. Für die Reinigung nach Auszug der Untermieter kommen diese auf.

    Q: Als Vermieter habe ich eine Reinigungskraft, die regelmässig meinen Wohnraum reinigt. Kann ich verlangen, dass der Mieter diesen Dienst weiter nutzt und dafür bezahlt?
    A: Ja. Genauso, wie Sie Ihren Wohnraum nicht verlieren möchten, möchten Sie nach Ihrer Rückkehr ungern auf die Verfügbarkeit Ihrer vertrauten Reinigungskraft verzichten. Die damit verbundenen Kosten werden während dieser Zeit direkt vom Mieter übernommen.

    Q: Kann sich SMART DEPART für mich als Mieter um eine regelmässige Reinigung der Wohnung kümmern?
    A: SMART DEPART arbeitet mit etablierten Reinigungs-Instituten und kümmert sich gerne darum, dass Ihre Wohnung regelmässig gereinigt wird.

    Q: Kann ich meinen Telecom-Vertrag während der Vermietung weiterlaufen lassen?
    A: Wir verstehen, dass eine rechtzeitige Kündigung von Telefon, Internet und TV Abonnement oft nicht drin liegt und zudem umständlich ist. Zusätzlich freut sich der Mieter gewöhnlich über ein bereits funktionierendes Setup. Aus diesem Grund wird sogar empfohlen, dass man den Vertrag weiterlaufen lässt und die Kosten an den Mieter weitergegeben werden.

    Q: Kann SMART DEPART auch die befristete Vermietung meines Fahrzeugs übernehmen?
    A: Wir raten grundlegend davon ab, das Fahrzeug weiterzuvermieten. Während das Ganze administrativ relativ aufwändig ist, stellt sich die Frage der Haftung, z.B. im Falle eines Motorschadens.