My landlord ignores my repair request — who do I contact?
The landlord must keep the home in usable condition: heating, water, electricity, a roof that does not leak. Write a dated repair request with a deadline (two weeks is normal, 24 hours for no heating in winter) — the letter is what every next step is built on. Then Schlichtungsbehörde in Mietsachen (ch.ch) is the body for tenancy disputes in Switzerland, cheap or free and without a lawyer. Mieterinnen- und Mieterverband (mieterverband.ch) advises on rent reduction and repair-and-deduct. For dangers to health — no heating, no water, electrical hazards — Kantonales Amt für Umwelt / Wohnhygiene der Stadt (bafu.admin.ch) can inspect and order the landlord to act.
🗣️ What to say
"Since [date] the [heating / boiler / roof / …] at [address] is [defect]. I asked you on [date] with no result. Please repair it by [deadline]. If not, I will reduce the rent proportionally from [date] and refer the matter to Schlichtungsbehörde in Mietsachen."
🪜 Step by step
- Write, dated, with photosEmail or letter with the defect, the date it started, photos and a deadline. Keep proof of sending.
- Know the remediesRent reduction from the day of the report in most countries; repair yourself and deduct after a written warning; the tenancy board for anything bigger.
- Health or safety at risk? Kantonales Amt für Umwelt / Wohnhygiene der StadtThe municipal inspection can order works and fine a landlord who leaves a home unfit.
- Go to Schlichtungsbehörde in MietsachenFree or low-fee, no lawyer. Bring the letters and photos. Decisions bind the landlord.
- Do not stop paying rent outrightReduce proportionally and say why in writing; a full stop can become grounds for eviction.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
Can I fix it and deduct the cost?
In most countries yes, after a written notice with a reasonable deadline, for necessary repairs, at a reasonable price. Keep the invoices. Check with Mieterinnen- und Mieterverband first for your country's rule.
How much rent reduction?
Proportional to the loss of use: a broken boiler in winter can justify 20–50 %, a dripping tap almost nothing. Mieterinnen- und Mieterverband has tables from past decisions.
The landlord threatens to evict me for complaining
Retaliatory eviction is not a valid ground anywhere in the EU. Keep everything in writing and tell Mieterinnen- und Mieterverband.
📎 Sources
- Schlichtungsbehörde in Mietsachen →
- Mieterinnen- und Mieterverband →
- Kantonales Amt für Umwelt / Wohnhygiene der Stadt →
- Gemeindeverwaltung / Stadtverwaltung →
- Unentgeltliche Rechtspflege (Gericht) / Rechtsauskunft des Kantons →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “landlord refuses repairs Switzerland”
- “rent reduction repairs not done”
- “tenant rights repairs Switzerland”
- “no heating landlord what to do”
- “report unfit housing”
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