Apartment hunting in Lausanne - problem with being non-Swiss?

Accomodation, House and Garden
1
Hi everyone, we are slowly but surely getting the impression that apartment hunting in Lausanne is going to be mega difficult, as although my salary would be sufficient to cover the rent my OH has yet to find work. We have been getting the brush off from rental agencies we have contacted for help, as not being suitable candidates. Can any foreigners recommend some rental agencies in Lausanne worth contacting? Or give any advice - what defines a suitable candidate??

2
Well, the more documents you give them the better, it seems. Required is some identity info - passport and work permit (or proof that it is being processed), and a work contract or some kind of proof of income. Proof of RC insurance is often important, and a form from the Office des Poursuites (Office des Faillites, Ch. de Trabandan 28 in Lausanne) to say you have no large debts owing/court proceedings (something like that) can help, but for me was waived since I was new to the country.

Apart from that, you could see about a letter from your boss to certify you are here to work, you need to find a place quickly etc - if they are Swiss they should know what is needed. I have been told that an occasional phone call to the agency once you have applied to show you are still keen could help. In the end though, the way I got my apartment was when a secretary here called her friend at an agency I had just applied for one at - BANG, it was mine.

Use Immohit and especially homegate.ch to find good places to look at, visit them, then apply if they are suitable (if you aren't already doing so) - maybe the agencies are more willing to consider your application if you're applying for a certain address than if you went to them and just asked for help finding somewhere.

Ask around to see if anyone (e.g. at work) has a friend like that, and to see whether anyone might know of a place becoming available that hasn't been advertised.

Good luck, I really hope you don't need to loiter in temp accommodation for 3 months like I did.

3
Hi

which agencies have you tried? and what papers are they asking for Eireann? We are coming out at the beginning of june and with 2 kids this is my biggest worry. What kind of accomodation are you in now?

Have you tried any on this list? http://www.lausanne-tourisme.ch/Data...bjDir/2463.pdf

jo

4
We found it was impossible to rent a place until we were actually in the city. Even then, we had much more success with private renters than with agencies. Sorry, I can't offer much more than that than a general wish of good luck.

5

My OH has been calling so I have no info on who he has tried. We are not yet in Lausanne (which I agree doesn ́t help) and so we are now thinking of taking temporary accommodation and doing the big search once we ́re there. I have a list of temp accommodation from the tourist office and also got quotes from oklogements, but these apartments appear very expensive. We will go to Lausanne in a few weeks for a long weekend, but I ́m not too confident that we will find something. I have my work contract and an "Attestation" from my employer with my salary details. I guess as Chris said we just have to wait til we ́re there and hope that everything will work out, cos there really seems to be nothing we can do from here. Does anyone know if you can visit apartments on the weekend? I heard that the agencies are closed on Sat but there are often contact numbers for the concierge given too. Would they be willing to show people around at the weekend?

6
I used a company called Network Relocation who are country wide, They helped me in fribourg.

Being from South Africa, I speak no german or french and they helped me out alot.

I am unsure of the cost of the process, but they will tour your through the area and show you example houses and aparments, you then put down your criteria and they will help you find the exacy apartment or house you are looking for.

Note: I also recommend that you dress nicely when searching for apartments. Agencies are easier then.

See www.network-relocation.com

Kegan

7
Hi. The www.immostreet.ch website is really good. It will send you emails when something you might like is posted.

But I really think the best way is to ask your boss or coworkers to see if they know anyone at a real estate agency. One quick phone call or fax from them could put you at the top of the list.

I really hope you can find place soon.

8
Unfortunately, I have to agree with the previous post. I've heard from a couple of people that it is at least as important who you know at the agency (or who you know who knows someone at the agency) as is how good your application is. The best of luck to you.

9
Hi,

Try the rental company Allianz Suisse, who manage apartment blocks in the less salubrious areas of Lausanne ... it took us a very long time to find anyone who would rent to us but AZ eventually did.