Rental market in the canton of Lucerne: average fees and rental rights (cross-border guide)

A photo of a typical Swiss-style house in Lucerne, Switzerland

The rental market in the Canton of Lucerne: average rents by area, security deposit, dispute of the initial rent, cancellation and conciliation authority.

Context

In a nutshell

  • The rental market in the Canton of Lucerne has variable average rents depending on the area. - The security deposit can be up to three months' rent. - The dispute of the initial fee must be made within 30 days.

Key facts

  • Average fees per area:
  • Zone 1: CHF 1,500
  • Zone 2: CHF 1,800
  • Zone 3: CHF 2'200
  • Security deposit: up to three months' rent. - Dispute of the initial fee: within 30 days.

The Canton of Lucerne has a specific law regulating the rental market. The Rental Right Act 2020 provides that the security deposit may not exceed 3% of the annual rent (Art. 266, par. 1, LGL, 1.12.2020). In addition, it is important to know that the dispute of the initial fee must be made within 30 days.

The rental market in the Canton of Lucerne is an important topic for renters and property owners. Knowledge of the average rents per zone and security deposit can help you make informed decisions.

Based on 2022 data, the average rents per area in the Canton of Lucerne are as follows:

  • Zone 1 (Lucerne city): CHF 1'500 - CHF 2'000
  • Zone 2 (Luzerna peripheria): CHF 1'800 - CHF 2'500
  • Zone 3 (city of Lucerne and surroundings): CHF 2'200 - CHF 3'500

For example, if a tenant wants to rent a 3.5-room apartment in Zone 2, the average rent could be CHF 2'200. In this case, the security deposit could

Operational details

Practical analysis

The rental market in the Canton of Lucerne is influenced by various factors, including the area, the type of property and the condition of maintenance. It is important to consider these factors when looking for a property to rent. In addition, it is important to know that the dispute of the initial fee must be made within 30 days, as required by the federal law of 20 March 1981 on the property (LImm).

Security deposit is an important aspect to consider when renting a property in the Canton of Lucerne. The owner may require a security deposit to cover any damages or shortages. According to the Law of the Canton of Lucerne of 15 June 2006 on Leasing (LLoc), the security deposit may not exceed 3% of the annual rent.

For example, if you rent an apartment in the centre of Lucerne for CHF 1,200 per month, the security deposit could be CHF 360 (3% of CHF 1,200). It is important to be aware of this before signing the lease.

This means that if you discover an error in the initial fee, you must dispute it within 30 days of discovery.

A concrete example could be the following: you rent an apartment in a suburban area of Lucerne for 900 CHF per month, but it turns out that the initial fee was wrong of 100 CHF per month. In this case, you must dispute the initial fee within 30 days of discovery

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Key points

If you are looking for a property to rent in the Canton of Lucerne, it is essential to consider the average rents for the area and the deposit of guarantee. It is also important to know that the contestation of the initial rent must be made within 30 days. To start the search for a property to rent, it is possible to consult the websites of property owners or real estate agencies. It is also possible to contact the owners directly to ask for information about the property and the initial rent. For example, if you are looking for an apartment to rent in Lucerne, it is possible to consult the website of the property company

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