Defects in leased property
Defects are conditions that impair the agreed use of the leased property and may trigger repair, reduction or other tenant remedies.
A leased property is defective when its condition falls short of the agreed or normally expected use. In Swiss tenancy matters, defects may be physical, legal or functional, from mould and broken appliances to missing permits or severe disturbances. Tenants should notify the landlord promptly, allow reasonable access for repairs and keep evidence. Depending on seriousness, remedies may include repair, rent reduction, damages, deposit of rent through the proper procedure, or termination in exceptional cases. Normal wear and tenant-caused damage are treated differently.