The letting agent charged me a fee — is that allowed, and who checks?
In most EU countries the agent who works for the landlord cannot charge the tenant a finder's fee, registration fee or "administration costs"; where fees are still allowed they are capped and must be disclosed before you sign. A fee you should not have paid can be reclaimed, usually for years back. Stiftung für Konsumentenschutz (SKS) (konsumentenschutz.ch) takes complaints about agents and can fine them; Mieterinnen- und Mieterverband (mieterverband.ch) helps you write the reclaim; Schlichtungsbehörde in Mietsachen (ch.ch) decides if the agent refuses.
🗣️ What to say
"On [date] I paid you [amount] as [fee name] for the tenancy of [address]. Under [rule] an agent acting for the landlord may not charge the tenant this fee. I ask for repayment within 14 days to [account]. Otherwise I will refer the matter to Stiftung für Konsumentenschutz (SKS)."
🪜 Step by step
- Identify who the agent worked forIf the landlord instructed the agent, the fee is the landlord's cost. The listing and the contract usually say.
- Ask for the fee back in writingCite the rule, set a deadline. Many agents repay on the first letter.
- Report to Stiftung für Konsumentenschutz (SKS)Repeated fees are a practice; authorities fine agents and order refunds.
- Dispute body: Schlichtungsbehörde in MietsachenSmall amounts, no lawyer, and the decision binds a licensed agent.
- Deposit and rent-in-advance capsWhile you are at it: deposits and advance rent are capped too, and "key money" is illegal everywhere.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
The agent says the fee was for "viewing" or "checks"
Renaming the fee does not change who has to pay it. Any charge to the tenant for finding or arranging the tenancy falls under the ban.
I signed that I agreed to pay it
A clause that contradicts a mandatory law is void. You can still reclaim.
How far back can I claim?
Usually the general limitation period — three to five years in most countries. Mieterinnen- und Mieterverband knows the exact rule for Switzerland.
📎 Sources
- Stiftung für Konsumentenschutz (SKS) →
- Mieterinnen- und Mieterverband →
- Schlichtungsbehörde in Mietsachen →
- Mietgericht / Bezirksgericht →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “letting agent fee illegal Switzerland”
- “reclaim agency fee tenant”
- “rental agency charges tenant fee allowed”
- “report letting agent Switzerland”
- “key money illegal”
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