Email alert

Subscribe

I subscribe to new offers:
I would like to:
My object:
captcha 


Please set the subtitles on Youtube in English.

Tolerance of pets

According to the general conditions applied in the Canton of Geneva for the standard rental lease for villas and apartments, the keeping of animals is tolerated as long as they do not disturb the tranquillity of the neighbourhood and the cleanliness of the building.

Possible prohibition

The lessor may prohibit the keeping of animals in the lease. Already in 1994, the Federal Supreme Court ruled that a clause in the lease that prohibits the keeping of animals is valid.The landlord is entitled to terminate the lease early in accordance with Article 267 f para. 3 of the Code of Obligations if such a clause is not respected by the tenant.

Dogs and cats

Dogs are often not allowed in villas and apartments. The reasons for this are simple: the owners fear that the garden will be used as a dog toilet, that the dog will bark and disturb the neighbours, that the dog will cause damage inside and outside. Sometimes owners do not accept cats either. In furnished apartments, animals are often not tolerated.

Small pets

The keeping of small animals such as ornamental fish, guinea pigs, dwarf rabbits, turtles, canaries and hamsters is most often allowed as long as their number is limited. The number plays an important role, even if the owner allows the keeping of one cat, this does not mean that he has to tolerate 10 cats in his villa or rented apartment.

Wild animals

Wild animals such as monkeys or big cats are not considered as domestic animals. The keeping of wild animals is also subject to express authorisation under the Hunting Act.Supervision.

If you are allowed to keep your pet, you must ensure that order and tranquillity are not disturbed. Hygiene conditions must be respected. Odours, excessive noise, loose hair and feathers should be avoided. Dirt created by pets must be cleaned spontaneously. Dog excrement should be removed immediately. Keeping a dog must not affect the safety of the neighbours. Ask for confirmation from your insurance company that damage caused by your pet is covered by your liability insurance.To be prudent, ask before signing the lease agreement if keeping your pet is permitted.

 

© Written by Esther Lauber, Real Estate Trustee with Advanced Federal Diploma of Professional Education and Training, property manager
Translated from French to English with DeepL, in case of doubt, the French or Germain version should apply 

My search