With Swiss summers getting hotter, many tenants in cities like Zurich, Zug, and Sankt Gallen are wondering:
Can I legally install air conditioning in my rental apartment?
The answer is yes, but it comes with specific legal and technical considerations. Here’s the 2025 guide with clear answers, updated legal rules, and the best AC options for Swiss rentals.
Permit and landlord approval usually required.
Exterior modifications (like wall drilling) require permission.
In cantons like Zurich or Geneva, stricter rules apply, often needing medical or energy efficiency justification.
| AC Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
Mobile (Monobloc) | Easy setup, no installation, flexible | Noisy, inefficient, vents through window/door |
Split AC | Efficient, quiet, great for multiple rooms | Needs approval, more complex installation |
Heat Pump / Multi-split | Heats & cools, long-term investment | Expensive, strict permit process |
Evaporative Coolers | Low energy use, no exhaust hose | Only work in dry climates, require frequent water refills |
Newer portable models like the Coolzy Pro and SereneLife offer flexibility for windowless or heritage buildings. Some work without vents, using directional airflow. Still, they’re best for personal use in small rooms.
Mobile units: CHF 200–800
Split systems: CHF 600–2,000 (plus installation CHF 650–2,000)
Central or heat pump systems: CHF 7,000–25,000
Use mobile ACs in buildings where modifications are not allowed.
Consider evaporative coolers for low-energy use in dry zones.
For split systems, coordinate with both your landlord and local permit office.
Avoid placing AC exhaust near balconies or shared walls to reduce disputes.
We support Swiss renters through:
Cooling assessments: Mobile, split or heat pump?
Professional installation: Fast and clean.
Transparent pricing: No hidden fees, local experts only.
Mobile AC setup in Zurich
Split system installation in Zug
Heat pump consultation in Sankt Gallen
We connect you with trusted installers who know your canton’s rules.
Retrofitting air conditioning in a Swiss rental apartment is absolutely possible with the right advice. At MyProfessional.ch, we offer tailored solutions and expert support:
Help available in German, English, Italian and Spanish.
👉 Ready to stay cool this summer?
Request a free quote today at MyProfessional.ch.
For official context on energy rules, you can reference the Federal Office of Energy of Switzerland, the federal authority overseeing energy and appliance regulations.
In most cases, only mobile air conditioning units (monobloc) can be installed without permission in Switzerland. Split or fixed systems typically require both landlord approval and a building permit.
Portable AC units are the most renter-friendly option as they require no permanent installation and no permits. Split systems offer better performance but usually require landlord and authority approval.
Portable air conditioners can be efficient for small rooms if you choose a double-hose model, which is around 25% more efficient than single-hose units. However, they consume more energy compared to split systems.
Yes. In Zurich, installing split or fixed AC systems generally requires both landlord consent and a permit from the building authority. Portable AC units usually do not require approval.
You can find verified air conditioning installers through platforms like MyProfessional.ch, which lists professionals experienced in Swiss building regulations and rental agreements.
Yes. Zurich has specific rules for installing air conditioning in rental apartments. Split systems almost always require landlord consent and, in some cases, a building permit. Portable units typically do not.
In Switzerland, mobile AC units cost between CHF 200–800, split systems CHF 600–2,000 plus CHF 650–2,000 for installation, and heat pump or central systems CHF 7,000–25,000.
Choose portable AC if you want flexibility, no permits, and low upfront costs. Choose split AC if you need better cooling performance, multiple-room coverage, and are able to get landlord and permit approval.