We have been frantically looking for an Apartment in or around Zurich in thelast 2 months and had no luck in finding one. As per the video Ad in thewebsite, we decided to pay 86 CHF and opt for the new feature in HomeGate thatallows one to submit the 'Personal Application File' online and thus avoid allthe paper work.
Surprisingly none of the landlords or Agencies accept this onlineApplication and expect them through post or fax instead! It’s sad that we spendmoney and don’t benefit either
On request, we did not get a refund either!
Has anyone benefited using this new feature in HomeGate?
I am also in the process of looking for an apartment and signed up for homegate's online application. I know landlords are receiving the applications, but none of mine have been accepted yet. I wonder if landlords are more likely to accept it if the form template is in German?
What does everyone include in their application? My husband and I wrote a cover letter to every flat we visited, saying how much we love the features, area, etc. It also has our picture and a bit about us. We had quite a few acceptances, and positive feedback from the landlords. Unfortunately, now we are looking for a new place but have been turned down 3 times because the landlords don't want people who would like to have children. Grrrrr.
Actually we can't, we're getting help But we also don't want to live in a place that isn't friendly towards children, as it makes life so much harder when one has to deal with bitter neighbours...
So true! What more can you write other actual facts and express interest!
We find that its impossible to get an apartment if its being processed through agents. Instead, meeting the landlord directly leaves some hope of expecting a reply from them.
Sometimes it helps to download the application form from the homepage of the Verwaltung in charge. From the questions there you can more or less figure out whom they are looking for. E.g.:
if they ask in the form whether one does have a pet or if one plays an instrument, you can write in your cover letter that you like it quiet and that you hve neither a pet nor a musical instrument.