CH hubs

Conciliation Authority for Tenancy: Who Qualifies and What You Get

Learn how this mandatory mediation process works for rental disputes in Switzerland before you take legal action.

This scheme provides a mandatory mediation process to help resolve disagreements between landlords and tenants. It serves as a formal mechanism to settle rental conflicts through discussion rather than immediate litigation.

Who it's for

This scheme is specifically designed for parties involved in a rental dispute. This includes both landlords and tenants who are unable to reach a private agreement regarding their tenancy obligations or rights. If you are currently facing a disagreement related to a rental contract, you may qualify to use this service.

What you get

You get access to mandatory mediation, often referred to as Conciliation. This process is a structured way to resolve conflicts through a neutral mediator. The goal is to reach a settlement that satisfies both sides without the need for a full court trial. It acts as a formal bridge between a private disagreement and a formal legal battle, offering a chance to settle matters through dialogue.

What it costs you

The service is free for the parties involved in the dispute. There are no fees required to participate in the mediation process. However, it does require an investment of your time, as your physical or official attendance is required for the sessions to proceed.

The catch to know

The most important thing to understand is that this is a mandatory procedural hurdle. You cannot bypass this step if you intend to resolve your issue through the legal system. You must go through this conciliation process before you are permitted to file a formal lawsuit in court. It is a required prerequisite for moving forward with legal action regarding tenancy matters.

How to apply

  1. Determine if your specific disagreement qualifies as a rental dispute under local laws.
  2. Reach out to the relevant Cantonal or Federal Judiciary authority to begin the process.
  3. Prepare your documentation regarding the tenancy and the nature of the disagreement.
  4. Attend the mediation sessions as required by the authority to attempt a resolution.