When moving out of a rental apartment in Switzerland, you are required to properly fill any drill holes – this falls under the tenant’s “minor maintenance” obligations. Filled drill holes are considered normal wear and tear and will not affect your rental deposit, provided they are correctly patched. Slight color differences at repaired spots are permitted. However, holes that are not properly patched can be treated as damage – in that case, you may have to cover repair costs. In practice, many tenants leave holes open and pay around CHF 5 per hole to the landlord for professional filling. This avoids disputes about the quality of the repair. Doing it yourself is cost-effective: tools and filler cost around CHF 25. Alternatively, moving or cleaning companies can take care of patching the walls.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
- Tenancy law: Do you have to fill drill holes when moving out?
- Options: Fill the holes yourself or let the landlord do it?
- Guide: How to properly fill drill holes
- Checklist: Filling drill holes
- FAQs on drill hole repairs when moving out
| key facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Tenant obligaton | Minor repairs (e.g. filling drill holes) fall under “minor maintenance” in accordance with Art. 259 of the Swiss Code of Obligations (CO) – the tenant is responsible. |
| Normal wear and tear | Properly filled drill holes are considered normal wear and tear and are already covered by the rent. No deduction may be made from the rental deposit for correctly patched holes. |
| Color variations | Slight color differences at patched areas are permissible. The patched spot does not have to perfectly match the original paint. |
| Consequences of not repairing | Unfilled or poorly patched holes count as excessive wear/damage. In this case, the landlord can charge you for the repair. |
| Common practice | Many landlords offer to fill drill holes for about CHF 5 per hole. This should be agreed upon in advance and noted in the handover protocol. |
| DIY costs | Doing it yourself: filler, putty knife, sandpaper, etc. cost around CHF 25 in total and cover multiple holes. Time investment depends on the number of holes (about 5–10 minutes per hole plus drying time). |
| Professional/landlord costs | Landlord: usually a flat rate of CHF 5 per hole (regional practice, common in both German- and French-speaking Switzerland). Handyman or moving company: charged by quote, usually more expensive than DIY. |
| Legal basis | Swiss Code of Obligations (CO) Art. 259 (federal law, applies nationwide): tenants are responsible for minor defects during the rental period. Return of the property is governed by CO Art. 267 (compensation only for excessive wear). |
Properly patched drill holes = normal wear and tear
If you patch the holes correctly, they count as normal wear and tear of the apartment. Normal wear and tear is already covered by the rent – meaning that no extra costs can be charged for neatly filled holes. Even the Swiss Homeowners’ Association (HEV) states that a normal number of drill and nail holes counts as ordinary wear. Important: “Properly” means that holes are completely filled, smoothed, and not visibly disruptive. According to the Tenants’ Association, it is acceptable if the patched spot differs slightly in color from the surrounding wall – perfect invisibility is not required.
Consequences of poor repair
If holes are left open or poorly patched, the landlord may classify them as excessive wear. In that case, you would have to pay for professional repairs. In practice, this means the property management may fill the holes afterward or even have painting work done, deducting the costs (after depreciation based on the age of the wall finish) from your deposit. For example, badly patched holes that require repainting may partly be charged to you – depending on the age of the paint (lifespan for wall paint is approx. 8 years). To avoid such costs and disputes, it’s worth taking care when patching drill holes.
Typical rental contract practice
Some Swiss rental contracts include clauses about returning the apartment, such as “nail, drill, and screw holes will be professionally filled by the landlord” for a flat fee (often CHF 5 per hole). According to consumer magazine K-Tipp and the Tenants’ Association, such flat fees are legally disputed: landlords can require professional repair, but they cannot charge tenants if the holes fall under normal wear and tear. In other words: you, as the tenant, have the right to fill the holes yourself. If this has been done properly, the landlord may not deduct any costs. If the landlord insists on using a professional despite your proper repair, they must bear the cost – unless your patching was inadequate. In practice, however, landlords and tenants often pragmatically agree on the CHF 5-per-hole fee to avoid disputes before the conciliation authority.
Tip: Record such agreements in the official handover protocol. That way, it is clear how many open drill holes you left and what amount per hole will be deducted from the deposit. Defects noted in the protocol and signed by you are considered accepted.
Special case: excessive number of holes
A few drill holes per room are usually no problem (“drill or nail holes within a normal range”). However, if you have very many holes or large damages (e.g. ripped-out anchors, holes in tiles), the landlord may classify this as excessive wear. In that case, painting or major repairs may be required. Depreciation rules still apply (if walls are older than 8 years, the landlord bears the repainting cost in full), but for recently painted walls, you may have to pay a share. If in doubt, it’s wise to contact the property management in advance to clarify whether further repairs are necessary. This way, there will be no unpleasant surprises at handover.
Fill the drill holes yourself or let the landlord do it?
Should you do it yourself or leave it to the landlord? Basically, you have two options: either patch all holes yourself before handover, or leave them to the landlord (or their professionals) for a fee per hole. Both approaches have pros and cons.
DIY (Do it yourself)
This option is inexpensive and fairly easy with a bit of skill. The necessary tools and materials – filler, putty knife, sandpaper, possibly pliers and a vacuum – are available in any hardware store. Costs are modest: CHF 20–30 for filler, tools, and sandpaper are usually enough for all holes in an apartment. If you already have tools at home, the expense is even less. Timewise, allow a few hours for multiple holes (including drying time). The advantage: you stay in control and ideally don’t lose anything from your deposit. The condition: you must work carefully and correctly.
Landlord or professional
Many property managers offer to fill open holes for tenants, typically at a flat rate of about CHF 5 per hole. The big advantage: no effort for you and no disputes about the quality – since the landlord ensures proper work. If you’re not confident in DIY or are pressed for time, this is less stressful. The downside: with many holes, it can become expensive (e.g. 20 holes × CHF 5 = CHF 100). Always clarify this arrangement in advance: ask your landlord before moving out whether they offer this service and at what cost. Get the agreement in writing or recorded in the handover protocol. Alternatively, moving or cleaning companies sometimes offer wall patching as an extra service. This can be practical if you’re already booking them for end-of-tenancy cleaning. But compare quotes: such extras can be priced differently depending on the provider. Often, the landlord’s CHF 5-per-hole option is cheaper than hiring a separate handyman, though with a large number of holes, the flat fee may be negotiable.
Cost and time comparison – DIY vs. landlord flat fee
| method | cost (approx.) | notes |
|---|---|---|
| DIY repair | CHF 20–30 for materials, tools (one-time). | Inexpensive, regardless of number of holes. Requires time and care (drying per hole approx. 1–2 hours). |
| Landlord fills | ~CHF 5 per hole (standard in Switzerland). 10 holes ≈ CHF 50. | Convenient and quick. Quality is professionally guaranteed. Clarify with landlord in advance; record in protocol. |
| Hire a handyman | By quote, e.g. CHF 100–200 depending on effort. | Most expensive option, worthwhile mainly for major damage or if unsure of your DIY skills. Sometimes combined with moving/cleaning services. |
Note: There are hardly any regional differences – tenancy law (CO) applies nationwide. In French-speaking Switzerland, they speak of trous de cheville (drill holes), and the practice of ~CHF 5 per hole and classification as normal wear is the same. Legal basis and standard rental clauses are comparable across Switzerland.
Guide – how to properly fill drill holes
When moving out, all drill holes in walls and ceilings must be properly filled. With the right technique and a bit of patience, even larger holes can be repaired almost invisibly. Before you start, get suitable filler (for interior walls, e.g. ready-mixed filler or plaster) and the necessary tools. Here’s what you need:
- Putty knife (to apply filler)
- Filler (gypsum, ready-mixed filler, or acrylic wall filler)
- Screwdriver (to loosen screws in the anchor)
- Pliers (to grip and pull the anchor)
- Vacuum cleaner (to remove dust from the hole)
- Fine sandpaper (grit 120–180, to smooth the surface)
- Optional: magic eraser sponge (to clean wall marks)
Step-by-step instructions:
Remove the anchor: If a screw is still in the hole, loosen it slightly but don’t remove it completely. Grip it with pliers and slowly pull the anchor out. Do not yank to avoid further damage. (Tip: if the anchor is stuck, try using a corkscrew to grip it or carefully drill around the edge. Usually, pliers and a screw work.)
Clean the hole: Vacuum out the dust. Filler only sticks on a clean, dry surface. Scrape away any loose paint or plaster around the edge.
Fill the hole: Press filler deep into the hole, then smooth it flush. For best results, fill in two steps: first fill, let it set, then smooth again. Follow drying instructions – usually several hours.
Sand the surface: Once dry, feel the patch with your hand. If rough, sand gently until level. Avoid sanding off the surrounding paint.
Finishing: Clean surrounding marks with a sponge. If needed, lightly dab the patched area to match texture. Slight color differences are acceptable. Only if the wall looks very patchy might repainting be advisable – and only after agreement with the landlord (since tenants aren’t obliged to repaint walls under 8 years old).
With this method, holes should be invisible. Check under good light and different angles. Pro tip: Take photos of the repaired spots before handover as proof in case of disputes.
FAQs – Filling drill holes when moving out
Do I really have to fill all drill holes?
Yes. Small defects like drill holes fall under minor maintenance. Properly patched holes count as normal wear, so no extra costs apply. If you don’t fill them, the landlord can record it as a defect and charge you.
What happens if I leave them open?
If left open, the landlord will have them professionally filled. Without prior agreement, costs may be deducted from your deposit since you didn’t fulfill your obligation. Typically CHF 5 per hole. Clarify in advance and record in the protocol.
Can the landlord demand that a painter redoes my patched holes – and charge me?
Only if your repair was inadequate. If you patched neatly, no extra costs can be charged. The landlord can wish for perfection, but tenancy law says you don’t pay for normal wear. If your work is sloppy, they can send a pro – and you’d cover the costs.
How many holes are “normal”?
There’s no set number, but a few holes per room (for pictures, coat hooks, etc.) are considered normal. Excessive numbers (dozens in every wall) may count as excessive wear. In such cases, landlords may ask for partial renovation. Normally, a reasonable number of holes is fine, as long as they’re patched.
Do I have to repaint to match the wall color?
No. You don’t need to match the exact shade. Slight differences are fine. Standard white filler on white walls is barely noticeable. On colored walls, check your contract: some require return to neutral white. If so, a repaint may be needed regardless. Otherwise, small filler spots on colored walls are fine.
Can I just leave the anchors in?
No. Leaving anchors or screws is not acceptable. They must be removed for proper filling. Filler won’t hold well otherwise.
Does my liability insurance cover drill holes?
Generally no, because properly filled holes are not considered damage, but normal wear. Insurance covers real damage (e.g. large accidental holes). If a landlord bills you for excessive wear (e.g. repainting), you could check with your insurer – but usually it’s excluded.
Do I have to repaint before moving out?
Only if necessary. Tenants don’t have to repaint unless walls are unusually damaged or contractually required. Small white filler patches on a white wall do not require repainting.
How about holes in tiles or concrete ceilings?
The principle is the same. In tiles, use tile filler or matching silicone. In concrete, use concrete filler. Remove anchors first, clean, then fill. For textured ceilings, dab the patch to match. For visible tile repairs, landlords may be more lenient, as drilling into tiles is sometimes unavoidable. Always clarify in advance.
