Damage to furniture, walls or floors can unnecessarily complicate a move. It is therefore worthwhile to document liability, insurance coverage and the condition of the accommodation in writing before and after transport.
This guide explains the practical steps regarding damage and handover of the accommodation. It does not replace individual legal advice; in the event of a specific dispute, the contract, the insurance should be examined and, if necessary, a specialist service should be consulted.
Before moving: record the condition and extent of the services
Photograph fragile furniture, visible previous damage and sensitive areas such as the stairwell, doors and parquet floors. Indicate in the quote which objects are transported and which additional services are covered.
For heavy or particularly valuable objects, clarify in advance the liability, packaging and any exclusions applied by the company.
Which insurance applies in the event of damage ?
It depends on the damage, its author and the policy concerned. Corporate liability insurance can cover damage caused to third parties by a company; other contractual or insurance law provisions may apply to damage caused to goods transported. It is therefore wise to have the relevant cover and any excesses confirmed before the mandate is awarded.
Avoid general assumptions such as “every moving company must have the same insurance cover”. The extent and conditions may vary.
Damage during the move: what to do?
- Photograph the damage immediately if possible.
- Document the time, place and purpose concerned.
- Quickly inform the company in writing.
- Keep the quote, mandate, photos and correspondence.
- In the event of a dispute, check the deadlines and reporting channels provided for in the contract or insurance.
A rigid general deadline such as “always within 3 days” cannot be applied with certainty to all cases. The concrete legal situation and the agreed conditions are decisive.
Handover of accommodation and report
When returning the rented accommodation, a jointly drawn up report helps to record its condition. Note visible damage and request a copy of the signed documents.
According to art. 267a CO, the lessor must check the condition of the property when it is returned and report in good time any defects for which the tenant must be responsible. If you have any doubts about the concrete legal effect of a report or notice of default, the Swiss Tenants' Association or another specialized service can provide you with information.
Fixed price, labor and additional costs
A clear description of the services is more important than a simple notion of price. Check whether the quote includes a fixed price or cost-effective billing, what services are included and how additional work should be authorized.
General statements such as “a quote can always be exceeded by 10 to 15%” should not be considered as a universal rule. The type of contract, the circumstances and the concrete agreement are decisive.
How to recognize a workable quote
- clear scope of services
- addresses, access and date
- pricing method and possible additional costs
- explicit mention of heavy or fragile objects
- comprehensible rules on liability and insurance
- contact person for questions and damage declarations
You will find further information under Check a moving quote.
Prepare the delivery of the accommodation
Allow enough time between moving, cleaning and handing over. Photograph the accommodation once the work is completed and record meter readings, keys and any outstanding issues. The home handover checklist provides a practical overview.
Use Online-Offerten.ch
Online-Offerten.ch forwards suitable requests to partner companies, but does not carry out a check comprehensive overview of the quality or operation of each company. Therefore, compare the quotes received yourself according to the scope of services, the price, the evaluations, the communication and the supporting documents relevant to your mandate.
Clear precisely the liability and handover before the mandate
In terms of liability, good documentation is particularly useful: condition before the move, clear mandate, photos of the damage and written communication. The more precise the agreements, the easier it is to resolve subsequent uncertainties.
