What may and may not be charged
Chargeable: heating, hot water, caretaker, lift, general electricity, water/sewage – if the rental contract lists them. Not chargeable: the landlord's repairs, renovations or building insurance. Anything not listed in the contract belongs to the landlord.
Advances and the yearly settlement
With advance payments (akonto), you get an annual settlement: real costs minus what you paid. Check the maths and the positions – requesting the detailed receipts is your right. Refunds and back-payments of several hundred francs are common.
Budget rent as one block
Plan net rent + ancillary advances + electricity + Serafe as one 'housing' block – that's your true monthly housing cost.
Track these costs in your own budget: create your free Swiss budget in BudgetHub – in English, with Swiss categories built in.