Rent and buy safely

Almost all advertisers are honest. But scammers exploit the housing shortage. These rules protect you.

Homes

1. Never pay in advance

   No deposit, reservation fee or “key fee” before you have seen the home and signed the lease.

2. The deposit goes into a rent deposit account

   In Switzerland the deposit is paid into a blocked bank account in your name (Art. 257e CO) – not in cash and not to a private account.

3. “I'm abroad, I'll send you the keys”

   This is the most common scam. Honest landlords show the home themselves or through an agency.

4. No Western Union, crypto or gift cards

   These payments can't be recovered. No honest landlord asks for them.

5. ID copies only after you're accepted

   Copies of your ID and salary statement are only needed once you are chosen as tenant. Before that, your details and the debt register extract are enough.

6. Too cheap? Look closely

   If a price is far below the usual range, we show a warning. Check such listings with extra care.

Vehicles

1. See the vehicle and test-drive it

   Compare the chassis number with the vehicle registration and ask for the last inspection report and service book.

2. Pay on handover

   Pay only when you receive the vehicle, registration and keys. No “shipping companies” or escrow services suggested by the seller.

3. Written sales contract

   Put the price, mileage, known defects and warranty in writing.

Something looks suspicious? Report the listing or the conversation – our team checks every report.