Swiss rental rules can be confusing for new tenants in 2025. Renting an apartment in Switzerland comes with comfort and convenience, but also with clear regulations on what you can and can’t install. Many tenants wonder:
“Can I drill into the wall?”, “Can I install air conditioning?”, or “Am I allowed to change the lighting?”.
The truth is: Swiss rental law can be strict, but tenants still have flexibility for small upgrades and improvements — as long as they follow the right guidelines.
In this guide, we explain what you can (and can’t) install in your Swiss rental, plus how local handymen in Zurich, Zug, and St. Gallen can help you make changes safely and without stress.
Before making any upgrades, it’s important to understand how Swiss rental rules define what’s allowed and what requires landlord approval.
Fixed air conditioners (split units): usually not allowed without landlord permission, as they require drilling and electrical modifications.
Portable AC units and heaters: fully allowed, no approval needed.
Smart thermostats: possible in some cases, but often require approval since they affect building systems.
👉 Not sure what’s possible in your building? A verified handyman in Zurich can check your options before you decide.
Installing ceiling lamps: permitted, but you’ll need to restore the original fixture when you move out.
Replacing outlets or wiring: only with a certified electrician and landlord approval.
Smart lighting systems: plug-and-play versions are fine, hardwired options may need approval.
❗Need help? Book an English-speaking electrician in Zurich directly through MyProfessional.ch.
Hanging pictures, shelves, or a TV wall mount: generally allowed, but you must repair the holes before leaving.
Concrete walls: common in Swiss apartments — they require special tools to drill safely.
Large installations: always check with your landlord first.
💡Tip: Hire a handyman near you for stress-free TV mounting and professional drilling.
| Allowed (and often expected) | Landlord’s responsibility |
|---|---|
Replacing silicone joints | Heating systems |
Fixing leaky taps | Windows |
Tightening cabinet hinges | Major plumbing leaks |
Always request written approval before:
Installing a fixed kitchen or bathroom appliance
Adding or replacing floors
Mounting air conditioning systems that require drilling
Changing windows, doors, or built-in furniture
💡Tip: Document your request in writing to avoid misunderstandings.
Sealing windows with insulation strips
Installing thermal curtains or blinds
Using portable humidifiers or dehumidifiers
These improvements are temporary, cost-effective, and don’t require permission.
Whether you need to mount a TV, assemble IKEA furniture, install lamps, or fix small issues in your rental, MyProfessional.ch connects you directly with trusted local professionals — no middlemen, no hidden fees.
Verified handymen and electricians in Zurich, Zug & St. Gallen
Book directly, without waiting for multiple quotes
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👉 Ready to make your rental feel like home?
Search for a handyman in Zurich, Zug, or St. Gallen on MyProfessional.ch today and get the job done without stress.
Our verified handymen in Zurich, Zug, and St. Gallen can help tenants and homeowners with a wide range of tasks. Whether you live in a rental apartment in Switzerland or your own home, here’s what we cover:
Wall mounting & drilling → TVs, shelves, curtain rails (including safe drilling in concrete walls common in Swiss apartments).
Lighting installations → lamps, ceiling lights, smart lighting systems (plug-and-play or with landlord approval).
Furniture assembly → IKEA, custom carpentry, and space optimization.
Small plumbing tasks → fixing leaky taps, replacing silicone joints, connecting washing machines or dishwashers (with landlord approval if permanent).
Heating & cooling support → safe setup of portable AC units, heaters, or thermostat adjustments.
Eco-friendly upgrades → window sealing, installing thermal curtains, or improving ventilation.
👉 With MyProfessional.ch, you book directly — no commissions, no hidden fees.
Our handyman Zurich experts can help today. If you’re in a hurry, let the professionals know and they’ll try to accommodate your request.
Yes, for shelves, pictures, or TV mounts — but you must repair the holes before moving out. For bigger installations, always check with your landlord.
Ceiling lamps are allowed, but permanent electrical changes (wiring, outlets) require approval and a certified electrician.
Tenants are usually expected to fix minor issues like silicone joints, taps, or cabinet hinges. Major repairs remain the landlord’s responsibility.
Yes — in Switzerland, tenants generally need written landlord approval for any permanent or structural changes.
The exact rules can vary by canton, but here are some common guidelines:
Zurich (Kanton Zürich):
Requires approval for structural works (walls, floors, plumbing, heating).
Cosmetic works (painting, hanging lamps) are usually allowed, but you must restore the original state when moving out.
Zug:
More flexible, but any drilling into building structures (e.g., for air conditioning, large mounts, or floor replacement) needs landlord consent.
Portable devices (heaters, AC units, lighting) are fine without approval.
St. Gallen:
Strict with modifications: flooring, windows, kitchens, and bathrooms always require approval.
Minor works (sealing windows, replacing silicone joints) are usually permitted.
Yes. Many professionals offer same-day service depending on availability.
Primarily Zurich, but also Zug, Aargau, and nearby cantons.
Compare available handymen and get your tasks done. Quickly, reliably, and directly.