long-term rentals
CERN Housing Service (located in Bldg 39)
The Housing Service is a good place to start looking. However, the hostel is often full, so it’s best to request an apartment 3 to 4 months in advance, if possible.
CERN Market
Lists private houses and apartments which someone at CERN is trying to sell or rent. To access the CERN Market you must get a CERN NICE account from the User’s Office.
The Housing Service is a good place to start looking. However, the hostel is often full, so it’s best to request an apartment 3 to 4 months in advance, if possible.
CERN Market
Lists private houses and apartments which someone at CERN is trying to sell or rent. To access the CERN Market you must get a CERN NICE account from the User’s Office.
Real Estate Agents
handle rentals as well as property sales. Working with an agent can give you a good overview, but they charge a fee and require a security deposit. Private transactions usually require a smaller security deposit or none.
French Agencies Swiss Rental Agencies
handle rentals as well as property sales. Working with an agent can give you a good overview, but they charge a fee and require a security deposit. Private transactions usually require a smaller security deposit or none.
French Agencies Swiss Rental Agencies
Security Deposits
France
Rental agencies (immobiliers) fees are 80 to 100% of one months rent, and are payable when you sign the rental contract.
Switzerland
Rental agencies (Régies) usually take no fees up front - owners choose the best renter they can find. For advice on rentals in Switzerland read this from AngloInfo. You may want to make an appointment to see someone at the Swiss tentant association ASLOCA.
France
Rental agencies (immobiliers) fees are 80 to 100% of one months rent, and are payable when you sign the rental contract.
- The security deposit is equal to one months rent.
- French leases are usually for three years, although you can break the contract by giving 3 months notice.
- Be sure to leave the apartment very clean or risk losing all or part of your deposit. (see Cleaning Service)
Switzerland
Rental agencies (Régies) usually take no fees up front - owners choose the best renter they can find. For advice on rentals in Switzerland read this from AngloInfo. You may want to make an appointment to see someone at the Swiss tentant association ASLOCA.
- The security deposit is equal to 4 months rent, and you must earn a minimum of 3.5 times more than the amount of the rent.
- Early departure is possible before the end of the lease, if you find someone to take your place. This is easy as housing is scarce and if the rental is not too expensive.
- Be sure to leave the apartment very clean or risk losing all or part of your deposit. If you'd like to hire someone to help, see our listings for Cleaning Services.
Classified Ads
Renting, subletting or sharing
Number of rooms
France and Switzerland count the number of rooms in apartments differently in classified ads:
France: a 4 piece does not count the kitchen, so is: living, dining, kitchen, 1 bedroom.
Switzerland: a 4 piece includes the kitchen, so is: living, dining and 2 bedrooms.
Renting, subletting or sharing
Number of rooms
France and Switzerland count the number of rooms in apartments differently in classified ads:
France: a 4 piece does not count the kitchen, so is: living, dining, kitchen, 1 bedroom.
Switzerland: a 4 piece includes the kitchen, so is: living, dining and 2 bedrooms.
- AngloINFO - Directory for the English-speaking community
- Anibis
- CERN Housing Service (located in Bldg 39)
- CERN Market
- Craig's List Switzerland
- Geneva Welcome Center
- GHI - classified ad newspaper in Geneva comes out each Wednesday afternoon
- glocals - social club
- Petites Annonces
- World Radio Switzerland
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