What is the maximum security deposit for a rental in Thurgau?

The security deposit may not exceed three months' rent (net rent without ancillary costs), as required by the Swiss Code of Obligations (CO art. 253 et seq.). It must be paid into an account in the tenant's name, not the landlord's.

Within how many days can I dispute the initial rent?

The tenant has 30 days from the delivery of the keys to submit an application for reduction of the rent to the conciliation authority in matters of lease of the Canton of Thurgau. The procedure aims to check if the fee exceeds the comparable values of the area.

Does the landlord's cancellation have a mandatory form?

Yes. The landlord must use the official form provided for by the Canton of Thurgau, with an indication of the reason. A cancellation on an unofficial form or without justification can be challenged within 30 days before the conciliation authority.

What are the cancellation terms for the tenant?

The terms of termination are governed by federal law: 1 month during the first year of the relationship, 2 months from the second to the ninth year, 3 months from the tenth year onwards, unless otherwise agreed in writing in the contract.

Rentals in Thurgau: average fees and rental rights (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 7 September 2026

Residential street in a Thurgau municipality with traditional Swiss houses

Rental market in the canton of Thurgau: security deposit, cancellation, fee dispute and conciliation authority according to the Code of Obligations.

Context

In brief

Security deposit max 3 monthly rents on a blocked account in the tenant's name
Landlord's notice of termination valid only on the official cantonal form
Initial rent challenge within 30 days to the conciliation authority
Federal tenancy law (CO art. 253 ff.) identical in all cantons

Key facts

What: federal rules on deposit, termination and initial rent challenge applicable in Thurgau
When: current provisions of the Code of Obligations
Where: Canton of Thurgau (and all of Switzerland)
Who: landlord, tenant, cantonal conciliation authority for tenancy matters
Amount: maximum deposit equal to 3 monthly rents
Deadline: 30 days to challenge the initial rent before the conciliation authority
Instrument: official cantonal form for landlord's notice of termination
Obligation: deposit account in the tenant's name, not the landlord's

Anyone renting an apartment in the Canton of Thurgau must deal with a residential market that reflects the canton's position in eastern Switzerland, between Constance and Zurich. The applicable law remains federal: the Swiss Code of Obligations (CO art. 253 ff.) sets out the rules on security deposits, termination and initial rent challenges uniformly across the national territory. Whatever the area — Frauenfeld, Kreuzlingen, Arbon, Amriswil or Weinfelden — tenant protections are the same as those provided in Zurich, Geneva or Basel.

The topic is of particular interest to workers and families moving into the canton, students in the Kreuzlingen area, and commuters operating in the Thurgau-St. Gallen-Ticino triangle who are looking for affordable housing.

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Operational details

When the initial rent is excessive

Swiss tenancy law considers an initial rent abusive when it exceeds by more than 10% the comparable rents in the area, or when the landlord does not justify an increase compared to the previous rent. The authority responsible for assessing abuse is the conciliation authority for tenancy matters (Schlichtungsbehörde Mietrecht), a cantonal joint body made up of representatives of landlords and tenants, assisted by a chairperson.

The contestation procedure

Within 30 days from the handover of the keys — or from the notification of a rent increase during the ongoing tenancy — the tenant may file an application for a rent reduction with the conciliation authority. The procedure is free of charge up to a certain threshold of disputed value and aims at an amicable settlement. If it fails, the decision can be appealed before the ordinary court.

The main tool available to the tenant is the comparison with comparable rents: the Federal Statistical Office (UST/BFS) periodically publishes data on average rents per canton and zone, useful as a reference. Federal legislation sets the framework, but tax multipliers and cantonal peculiarities can indirectly affect the level of rents.

Example scenario

A tenant who enters into a new lease in a municipality in Thurgau and considers the rent higher than the reference values of the area may send an application for reduction to the conciliation authority within the legal deadline, attaching the relevant documentation. The procedure does not preclude the possibility of a direct agreement with the landlord: in many cases, mediation resolves the dispute before a formal decision is issued.

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Key points

How to navigate the search for accommodation

For those looking for a home in Thurgau, it is advisable to start with an analysis of a realistic budget: net rent plus ancillary costs (water, heating, shared expenses) should not exceed the recommended share of income. The canton's residential market is less saturated than in the major urban centres, but remains competitive in areas close to industrial and tourist hubs.

Practical checklist for tenants

Before signing the contract:

Verify the amount of the security deposit (max 3 monthly instalments) and the deposit method (account held in the tenant's name)
Read carefully the clauses on ancillary costs and rent adjustments
Keep a copy of the signed contract and the handover form with the condition of the apartment

After signing:

Within 30 days of handover, it is still possible to contest the initial rent before the conciliation authority
For any defects in the property, report them immediately to the landlord in writing
In case of termination, the tenant normally has a notice period of 1/2/3 months depending on the years of the tenancy (1st year / 2nd–9th / from the 10th)

Where to get help

The conciliation authority on tenancy matters of the Canton of Thurgau is the first point of contact for disputes regarding rent, termination, and contractual controversies. For concurrent labour law issues (transfers, job changes, cross-border commuters with a G permit), the reference remains the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) for federal matters and the cantonal authorities for local ones.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum security deposit for a rental in Thurgau?: The security deposit may not exceed three months' rent (net rent without ancillary costs), as required by the Swiss Code of Obligations (CO art. 253 et seq.). It must be paid into an account in the tenant's name, not the landlord's.
Within how many days can I dispute the initial rent?: The tenant has 30 days from the delivery of the keys to submit an application for reduction of the rent to the conciliation authority in matters of lease of the Canton of Thurgau. The procedure aims to check if the fee exceeds the comparable values of the area.
Does the landlord's cancellation have a mandatory form?: Yes. The landlord must use the official form provided for by the Canton of Thurgau, with an indication of the reason. A cancellation on an unofficial form or without justification can be challenged within 30 days before the conciliation authority.
What are the cancellation terms for the tenant?: The terms of termination are governed by federal law: 1 month during the first year of the relationship, 2 months from the second to the ninth year, 3 months from the tenth year onwards, unless otherwise agreed in writing in the contract.