Updated: October 2026Editorial team: Umzugsexpress GmbHTeam: 17 years in moving and clearance
Almost every cleaning company advertises a handover guarantee. What it really means is in the small print – and that is exactly where offers differ. Here is what the guarantee means, which conditions apply with us and what you can do on the day the flat is handed over.
In short
With a handover guarantee, the cleaning company re-cleans free of charge until the property manager accepts the cleaning. With us it applies if the handover takes place within 3 days of the cleaning, the flat is not used until then and we know the date. It covers the cleaning – not damage, repairs or painting.
What the guarantee covers – and what not
| Covered | Not covered |
|---|---|
| Re-cleaning if the property manager rejects the cleaning | Damage to floors, walls or appliances |
| As often as needed until the cleaning is accepted | Repairs, spare parts, broken lamps |
| At no extra cost | Painting and screw and nail holes |
| Dirt that appeared after the cleaning |
Our conditions – and why they exist
- Handover within 3 days of the cleaning. The longer a flat stands empty, the more dust settles again.
- The flat is no longer used. Cooking, showering or carrying furniture after the cleaning makes it dirty again.
- We know the handover date. Only then can we re-clean in time; on request we attend the handover.
This is set out in our terms and conditions. Compare the same three points with other providers – and whether the company can be reached during the handover.
What property managers often object to
The tenants’ association leaflet lists, among other things, for a thorough cleaning:
- Oven and fridge, replace extractor filter inserts
- Clean and descale bathtub, washbasin and toilet, descale taps
- Windows inside and out, sills
- Ancillary rooms: cellar, attic, garage, letterbox
- Balcony
These are exactly the points we check before handing over to you. The full checklist is in the guide End-of-tenancy cleaning: do it yourself or hire a company?.
On handover day
- Go through the report point by point. You are not obliged to sign it (Mobiliar); if you disagree with a point, add a reservation (law.ch).
- If the property manager rejects the cleaning, call us or send the report with photos. We arrange the re-cleaning.
- The landlord must report obvious defects immediately after the inspection – according to law.ch within days, at most two to three. Otherwise the claims are lost (Art. 267a para. 2 CO).
Frequently asked questions
Does the guarantee apply if I am not at the handover?
Yes, if the conditions are met. Have the report sent to us; on request we attend ourselves.
What if the property manager complains only days later?
Obvious defects must be reported immediately, within two to three days at most. Contact us as soon as you hear about it.
Does the guarantee also apply to emergency cleaning?
Yes, under the same conditions.
Sources
- Tenants’ association: leaflet “Moving out: cleaning” (German)
- Mobiliar: flat handover (German)
- law.ch: return of the rented property (German)
As of October 2026. This guide does not replace legal advice.
Related services
- End-of-tenancy cleaning with handover guarantee
- Move-out cleaning with handover guarantee
- How much does move-out cleaning cost?