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Frequently asked questions

  • Scheduled Meet and Greet
    • We need a minimum of 24 hour notice to schedule a meet and greet.
  • Hours
    • During office hours of 08h30 – 17h00.
    • Outside office hours (before 8h30 and up to 20h00) a fee of CHF200 will be charged.
    • After 20h00 or the weekends, we will organise a self-check in. We will schedule a proper check in formality on the next business day at your apartment to sign all the necessary documents.
  • Upon check-in
    • You will be shown the apartment, the facilities and the common areas.
    • If you are present you will sign your inventory electronically on site and a copy of the inventory will be send to your guest portal. If you are not present we will send the inventory to your guest portal signed by us.
  • After check in
    • If you notice something is missing/broken/malfunctioning, you will have 3 working days to inform us otherwise we will assume all is in order as per the inventory.
  • If you wish to extend, we will need at least 30 days’ notice.
  • Extensions are possible subject to availability and may not be offered at the existing rate.
  • Extensions are possible only to the 15th or end of month.
  • If you wish to extend, we will need at least 30 days’ notice.
  • Extensions are possible subject to availability and may not be offered at the existing rate.
  • Extensions are possible only to the 15th or end of month.
  • WIFI
  • Electricity
  • Heating
  • Cleaning
    • Every two weeks, your linens will be changed and replaced. Additional cleaning, if a part of your package, will be confirmed during your check-in
    • Extra cleaning can be organised at CHF 40 an hour + VAT.
  • Exit Cleaning
    • If the apartment needs more than the standard (contractual) number of hours cleaning, it will be charged to you.
  • Parking (depending on the apartment)
  • Cellar (depending on the apartment)
  • Fully furnished
    • Towels, linen, duvets.
    • Fully equipped kitchen: stove, oven, micro-wave, toaster, Nespresso machine, dish- washer (depending on apartment), fridge, freezer, washing machine and dryer (depending on apartment).
    • TV, iron and ironing board, hoover, clothes dryer and storage areas.
    • For apartments without a washing machine/dryer, there are communal laundry facilities in the building. Your apartment sheet will have clear instructions on usage.
  • Extra services possible. Please see details in “my reservation”, on your guest portal and “select extras”
  • Heater: In Switzerland, the normal temperature is between 18°C and 22°C. NB: It might not possible to increase the heating of the whole building as it is a shared utility with all the apartments. It takes 2/3 days at the beginning of each season for the heating to adjust.
  • Mail Box
    • You will be able to receive mail at your temporary residence. For most apartments, your mailbox will have your name on it automatically. For certain apartments in Geneva we will ask you in advance if you would like a mail-box with your name.
    • Swiss mailboxes come in two compartments. The top compartment is for normal mail and can be opened with a key which will be handed to you upon check-in. The lower compartment has no key and remains unlocked. This compartment is for any packages or bulky mail which cannot be placed in the top compartment.
    • We advise you to always check both compartments for your mail.
  • When do you need to register to the commune?
    From the date you arrive in Switzerland you have a limited number of days to inform the Canton of your arrival (8 for the Canton de Vaud, 14 for the Canton de Genève). It is compulsory that your registration be done before your first day of work.

    Which documents will you need?Valid Proof of ID for you and each member of your family
  • Proof of residence (“attestation de logement”) – provided by AHS
  • Certificate of your subscription to a health insurance provider (“attestation d’assurance maladie”)
  • Passport size picture of you and each family member
  • Your Work Contract
  • Additional documents such as marriage certificate, family booklet, birth certificates of children and other specific form depending on the Canton.

In the case of a theft at your property you should do the following:

  • Call the local police. They will come and fit new locks on the doors
  • Inform your insurance company
  • Please call us to keep us informed and also we can help should you require additional assistance

 

In the case of loss of your keys:

  • Call us immediately on our emergency number
  • We will deliver a replacement set to you as soon as possible. If out of office hours this will be at a cost of CHF200. You will also be charged for the cost of replacement keys. You should be aware that in Switzerland some agencies insist of changing multiple cylinders in the case of loss of keys and this can be expensive without insurance.

Personal Liability Insurance (RC Insurance)

What is it?

RC insurance is civil liability insurance. It covers for events where a person could be liable for accidental damage. Under Swiss law, persons can be liable for damages that are caused, even unintentionally, to other people and/or their property. Should a guest have RC insurance and accidentally damage for instance the floor, the RC insurance should cover the cost of the repairs. However, should the guest not have RC insurance, they will be responsible for the full costs of the repairs themselves.

What do we propose?

We have a global RC policy with a reputable Swiss insurer which does not require any administration. If you agree we simply add you name to the list of persons covered and for as long as you are living in the temporary apartment you are covered.

How much is it?

The cost is CHF150 (plus VAT) which we would bill directly to you.

Who does the policy cover?

The policy covers family and pets. Please note that the policy does not cover for theft and floods. Should you have any further questions we can put you directly in touch with the insurer.

Can I subscribe with another insurance company?

You are also of course free to consider policies with other insurance companies if you prefer.

ECA Insurance

What is ECA insurance?

Tenants are obliged to take out fire insurance in the Canton of Vaud to protect against the loss of their personal belongings due to a fire. The building is insured by the landlord and the furniture insured by the furniture provider. If you do not take ECA insurance, your personal belongings will not be covered in the event of fire. Fire is not normally covered by household content insurance.

Is it possible not to have an ECA Insurance?

As ECA is compulsory. The company will continue to solicit you until you take out an insurance policy. However, if you decide not to have one you can return the letter noting “logement meublé rien à assurer”. They should then stop sending you letters.

How much does it cost?

The cost depends on the estimate value you declare. Normally the cost is minimal (approximately CHF30 or CHF40). The minimum fee is CHF20.70 corresponding to a value of CHF 20,000. We would advise you to indicate at least a total value of CHF 20,000. For information, it will cost you CHF 0.50 per CHF1,000 of value.

What are their contact details?

ECA's phone number is +41 58 721 23 23 if you want to contact them.

Other insurances

Are there other insurances?

  • Household insurance allows you to insure your housing and belongings against damage and theft. It is recommended but not compulsory. Please note that if there is a theft at your house and you do not have this insurance you will not be covered for loss of your belongings, and you may be responsible for the cost of changing the locks.
  • Vehicle insurance is compulsory and allows you to insure your car or motorcycle against damage done by yourself or another road user.
  • Health insurance is compulsory in Switzerland. You must obtain health insurance no later than three months after you arrive. It will be effective from the date of your residence.
  • Depending on your needs, other insurances exist: animal, travel, legal responsibility etc. There are many private insurers that offer these benefits.