What is the main purpose of the lease book?

The book written by Viviano Roberto and published in 2020 by Fontana Editori, at a price of 35 Swiss francs, aims to teach how to juggle lease law without having to resort to the courts, focusing on prevention, good neighbourliness and conciliation.

What recognition did the volume get in 2024?

During 2024, the manual received an official commendation from the Council of State, recognizing the value of the experience gained by the author at the Conciliation Office in Massagno.

What are the mistakes to avoid before signing a lease?

The author emphasizes that you should never sign a contract lightly. It is essential to visit the apartment, check for any defects, consider the age of the property and avoid entering into commitments without having the financial availability to support them.

Lease law in Switzerland: how to avoid the courts (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 18 August 2026

Tenancy law handbook and keys in Switzerland

From rent increases to disputes between tenants and landlords: here's how to manage tenancy disputes and avoid the Magistrate's Court according to experts.

Context

In a nutshell

Lease conflicts: how to resolve them without resorting to the judge.
Book by Viviano Roberto published in 2020 by Fontana Editori.
Cover price of the volume set at 35 Swiss francs.
Recognition by the Council of State in 2024.

Key facts

What: Presentation of the manual on lease law and conciliation.
When: Year of publication of the book 2020 and institutional praise in 2024.
Where: Savosa and Massagno, Canton Ticino, Switzerland.
Who: Author Viviano Roberto, Conciliation Office and former Moscow lawyer collaborator.
Amount: 35 Swiss francs as the cover price of the volume.
Body: Council of State of the Republic and Canton of Ticino.

The landscape of the real estate market and the cost of living in Switzerland often sees the relationship between tenants and owners turn into a real battle. Increases in rent, defects found in the apartment or disputed cancellations are the main reasons for tension that can compromise domestic peace. According to what emerges from the experience of Viviano Roberto, for years active at the Conciliation Office and author of the book called "Lease Law – Conciliation", published in 2020 by Fontana Editori at a cost of 35 Swiss francs, most disputes could be avoided through a thorough knowledge of the rules in force and the firm will to reach

Operational details

Analyzing the practical dynamics that characterize the rental market in the Swiss context, it is clear how the preliminary phase of the contract signing plays a crucial role in the prevention of future litigation. Viviano Roberto highlights that you should never sign a lease with lightness or excessive haste. Before signing, it is essential to carefully examine each clause inserted in the document, taking all the time necessary to carry out an in-depth visit of the property, ascertain the presence of any structural or aesthetic defects and collect detailed information on the condition of the building. If a particularly dated property is considered, the possibility that certain systems or structural elements may require maintenance or malfunctions must be taken into account in advance. One of the most serious and frequent mistakes made by tenants is to sign an economic commitment without actually having the financial strength necessary to support it in the medium and long term. This lightness in the assessment of their personal budget inevitably exposes the tenant to the risk of being in difficulty at the time of the monthly payment of the rent, triggering a chain reaction that quickly leads to warnings, default procedures and potential litigation

Recommended tools

For an updated estimate, use the net salary calculator and the CHF-EUR exchange comparator.

Key points

Addressing the differences related to real estate leasing requires the adoption of a structured approach based on compliance with the procedures provided for by Swiss law, avoiding turning any disagreement into a legal battle in the Magtura. When an apartment problem arises, such as a structural defect or a disagreement on the management of common spaces, the first concrete move is to prioritize direct dialogue and formal written communication with the counterpart, clearly illustrating the problem encountered and requesting timely intervention. In the event that the amicable comparison does not produce the desired results, the legal system makes available the institutional tools of mediation and amicable resolution, specifically designed to foster an understanding before the situation degenerates into a formal judicial dispute. To deepen the planning of your housing expenses and verify the sustainability of the family budget in relation to the overall cost of living in Switzerland, you can consult the financial analysis and planning tools available online. For a complete overview of the management of expenditures and the domestic budget, it is advisable to consult the page dedicated to costo della vita to find out more about the different items of expenditure in the country.

Source: tio.ch

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main purpose of the lease book?: The book written by Viviano Roberto and published in 2020 by Fontana Editori, at a price of 35 Swiss francs, aims to teach how to juggle lease law without having to resort to the courts, focusing on prevention, good neighbourliness and conciliation.
What recognition did the volume get in 2024?: During 2024, the manual received an official commendation from the Council of State, recognizing the value of the experience gained by the author at the Conciliation Office in Massagno.
What are the mistakes to avoid before signing a lease?: The author emphasizes that you should never sign a contract lightly. It is essential to visit the apartment, check for any defects, consider the age of the property and avoid entering into commitments without having the financial availability to support them.