Please set the subtitles on Youtube in English.

If you wish to rent a villa and you are currently renting an apartment, you will not be able to compare the charges of an apartment with those of a villa. The heating and ancillary costs of a villa are higher.The following charges are to be considered, depending on the heating system and the size of the villa. Every villa is different and it is not possible to present you with a calculation that is valid for all villas.

The maintenance and annual control of the heating system

To find out the annual amount, ask a heating engineer for an estimate. For most of the villas that we manage and that are rented between CHF 4'500 and CHF 6'000, it is necessary to count between CH 500 and CHF 650 per year.The tenant has to have the chimneys and smoke ducts swept regularly. In Geneva, the chimney-sweeper will advise you and propose a date for the intervention.

Periodic descaling of water heaters

The interval between decalcifications depends on the amount of limescale in the water. In some places it should be done every 5 years, in other places where the water is harder it is necessary to descale the water heaters every two years. It is not possible to give you a general price, but descaling a well-maintained 300-litre boiler costs about CHF 350 to CHF 400 every two years.

Sewings and water outlets

You should have tanks, bags and pits cleaned regularly and have the inside and outside pipes unclogged. The price cannot be estimated, an estimate must be requested on a case-by-case basis.The regular cleaning of gutters and rainwater outlets is also your responsibility. This work must be done by a roofing company, it is dangerous to climb on the roof yourself. If this work is not done, water damage is programmed. For a villa of an average size, it is necessary to count between CHF 300 and CHF 400 per year for 2 interventions.

Swimming pool

If you have a swimming pool, you must hire a specialized company for winterization and routine maintenance. During the season of use, the water quality must be checked daily.

Gardening

The tenant who has the use of the garden is responsible for its upkeep, pruning and maintenance of trees, roses, shrubs and hedges and the removal of garden waste, etc. Watering the garden is absolutely necessary, especially in summer during hot days. Scarification and fertilization in spring are also necessary to keep the lawn in good condition. If you don't know how to do this or if you don't have the time to do the gardening, you will have to hire a gardener. The price of the gardener obviously depends on the size of the garden and the amount of work you ask him to do.

Consumption costs

The costs for the consumption of water, gas, fuel oil, electricity as well as television and radio fees are to be paid by the tenant.Compared to standard leases for apartments, if you rent a villa, you will also have to pay for water consumption.

Minor works and repairs

Minor work such as changing the joints of taps and washing machines, hoses, maintenance of woodwork, greasing locks, regular cleaning, changing light bulbs and fuses, etc. are also the responsibility of the tenant. You are responsible for damage that exceeds normal wear and tear, for example if you have broken a window or torn the upholstery.

Precautions and miscellaneous responsibilities

You must take all necessary precautions against the risks of fire, water damage, purging the sanitary installations outside to avoid any risk of freezing. If this work is not done, water in the pipes may freeze and burst the pipes and cause extensive water damage. You can bleed the pipes yourself.The villa should be aired regularly to avoid problems with dampness and mould.Tent tarpaulins should be folded down and the canopies should be closed when it rains. Civil defence shelters must be ready at all times and as quickly as possible for civil defence and the ventilation unit must not be removed or dismantled under any circumstances. Official and private regulations and servitudes relating to the property must be respected. These include, for example, easements of passage in favour of the neighbour.

More information with video that may be of interest to you

How to avoid mould
How to save energy (heating)
How to improve good indoor air quality

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