How can I quickly find a reliable tenant?

The advertisement: A magnet for reliable tenants

The search for candidates begins with the presentation. Reliable tenants have expectations. They look for professional, transparent offers.

• Images and text: An advertisement with dark, cell phone photos deters reliable tenants . They associate it with a neglected property or an unprofessional landlord. Invest in bright photos and honest text.
• The price: Set the rent at a market rate. If it's too high, reliable tenants won't apply , as they know the market and compare prices. If it's suspiciously low, it often attracts a clientele who can't afford regular rents.
• The platform: Where do reliable tenants look ? In Switzerland, the major portals (Homegate, ImmoScout24) are the standard. But corporate networks (intranets of large companies) are also insider tips for finding reliable tenants such as expats or skilled workers.

If you want to attract reliable tenants , you need to signal quality. A high-quality listing acts as a first filter: it attracts people who value a well-maintained home.

The paperwork: Fact-checking

When the applications start coming in, the selection process begins. Reliable tenants usually have their documents prepared in advance.

Before agreeing to a lease, always request a complete dossier. Reliable tenants have no problem providing the following documents:

• Debt enforcement register extract: The most important document in Switzerland. Reliable tenants submit a current extract (original, no more than 3 months old). Entries are a warning sign, but not always grounds for exclusion. However, reliable tenants can explain how these entries came about.
• Proof of income/employment contract: You need to know if prospective tenants can afford the apartment. A good rule of thumb is that the rent should not exceed one-third of their net income. Reliable tenants adhere to this affordability rule.
• References:Reliable tenants often provide references, such as their current employer or previous landlord. Don't hesitate to call them (with the tenant's permission). The question "Would you rent to this person again?" often reveals more than any document whether someone is a reliable tenant .

The conversation: The nose factor

Paper is patient. To truly identify reliable tenants , the personal impression gained during the viewing is essential.

Pay attention to punctuality and appearance. Reliable tenants arrive on time or cancel in a timely manner.

Ask specific questions during the conversation:

• Why are you moving? Reliable tenants have plausible reasons (job change, growing family). Evasive answers or badmouthing the old landlord are warning signs.
• Who is moving in? Reliable tenants here are transparent about partners, children, or pets.
• How long do you plan to stay? If you're looking for long-term stability, reliable tenants seeking permanent accommodation are better than free spirits just passing through.

appear reliable on paper .

Legal pitfalls in the selection process

You must also comply with the law when searching for candidates. Reliable tenants know their rights.

• Data protection: You may only collect data that is relevant to the contract. Reliable tenants will rightly refuse to answer questions about religion, political views, or family planning (pregnancy) or may even lie about them.
• Discrimination: Select reliable tenants objectively. Rejection based on origin or gender is not permitted.
• Joint and several liability: In shared apartments or for unmarried couples, it's important that all parties sign the contract. This way, you have several reliable tenants to hold accountable, which reduces your risk of default.

Rental deposit: The final safeguard

Even reliable tenants can experience financial difficulties (unemployment, divorce). Therefore, a rental deposit is essential.

Demand the maximum permissible three months' rent. Reliable tenants know this is standard practice and will deposit the money into an escrow account before receiving the keys.

Never hand over the keys before the security deposit and the first month's rent have been received. Reliable tenants will understand this measure , as it is a matter of mutual safety.

means "suitable"

Not every financially sound applicant is automatically the right fit for every property. Reliable tenants for a retirement home are different from reliable tenants for a student residence.

• In an old building with poor sound insulation, reliable tenants are more likely to be quiet individuals than a family of five or a drummer.
• In a luxury apartment, reliable tenants expect appropriate service and quick repairs.

The definition of what constitutes a reliable tenant therefore depends heavily on your property and the existing tenant structure. A harmonious environment ensures that reliable tenants will stay long-term.

Conclusion

The question "How can I quickly find a reliable tenant?" can be answered with "careful planning before haste." Reliable tenants don't just fall from the sky; they are the result of a professional selection process. An attractive advertisement draws them in, checking their credit report and income filters out the risks, and a personal interview builds trust.

Don't let the pressure of vacancies lead you to make poor compromises. A month of vacancy is cheaper than years of litigation. Reliable tenants are your property's most valuable asset. By approaching the process systematically—from market analysis to credit checks—you significantly increase your chances of attracting precisely those reliable tenants .

If you are unsure whether your rental price is competitive to attract reliable tenants , or how to professionally assess creditworthiness, Loft offers comprehensive data and tools to support your decision and optimize the rental process.

Glossary

• Debt enforcement register extract: An official document that provides information about debt history. It is the most important tool for financially vetting reliable tenants .
• Joint and several liability: If several people (e.g., a couple) sign the lease, they are all liable for the entire rent. This increases the likelihood of having reliable tenants who are jointly and severally liable.
• Affordability rule: A rule of thumb stating that rent should not exceed one-third of net income. Reliable tenants usually meet this criterion without any problems.
• Rent deposit: The security deposit (max. 3 months' rent) is held in escrow. It serves as security in case even reliable tenants cause damage or owe rent.
• Reference check: Obtaining information from previous landlords or employers. An effective way to verify statements and confirm reliable tenants .