Renting storage space from a private owner in Switzerland

Good to know: this article is for information only and is not legal, tax or insurance advice. Rules can vary by canton and by your situation. Check with a qualified professional or the relevant authorities.

Renting a few square metres from a private owner is often the simplest and cheapest way to store your things. It might be a cellar, a garage, an attic or a corner of a basement. Here is how to find the right space and what to check before you commit.

Why rent from a private owner

The obvious advantage is the price: there is no commercial facility to pay for. But it is not the only one.

• Closeness. You can often find a space in your own neighbourhood, sometimes a few streets away.
• Flexibility. You agree on the duration, access and volume directly with the owner.
• The real size. You rent the space you need, not the nearest standard unit.

On the other hand, nothing is standardised. The quality of your agreement is what makes the difference.

What to check before you say yes

The visit settles most things. On site, look at:

• Damp. Smell, marks on the walls, saltpetre. This is the first thing to check for furniture, archives or electronics.
• The real size, including the height, and the width of the door.
• Access: stairs, lift, ramp, whether you can unload right outside.
• Hours: can you come in the evening, at the weekend, without notice?
• Locking: who else has a key or walks through this room?
• Cleanliness and ventilation.

Agree in writing

Even for a small room, a simple written agreement avoids most misunderstandings. Note:

• the two parties, and the space concerned;
• the amount and the period it covers;
• the duration and the notice period for each side;
• how access works and the agreed hours;
• what may be stored, and what is excluded;
• the condition of the space, with dated photos.

Each of you keeps a copy. This document is your reference if something is questioned later.

The insurance question

It deserves a phone call before the keys change hands, on both sides. Describe the situation to your insurer in concrete terms: your belongings stored in a room that belongs to someone else. Then ask what applies. The owner would be wise to do the same. Ask for the answer in writing. That is what will count, not your memory of a conversation.

What people store

The most common cases are also the simplest: moving boxes, furniture between two homes, tyres, bikes, garden furniture, ski gear, archives, sports equipment. For fragile or valuable items, first check that the room is suitable. Then talk about it openly with the owner.

If you are the one with the space

The reasoning is reversed, but the good habits are the same. Describe the room precisely and state the uses you accept. Take photos before you hand over the keys, and put the agreement in writing. If you rent your home or own a flat in a condominium (PPE / StWE), first check with your property management company (régie / Verwaltung) or the condominium's management. Ask what your contract or the building's rules allow.

How it works on SpareSpot

SpareSpot connects private individuals who have an unused space with people looking for one, all over Switzerland.

• listing a space is free and no commission is charged;
• you talk through the built-in messaging, so you can ask all the questions above before you commit;
• the exact address stays private: the map only shows an approximate area until the request is accepted;
• payment is arranged directly between the two parties.

Browse the spaces available for furniture storage or as a storage room. If you have space to offer, everything is explained on the page for owners.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if a cellar is dry enough?

During the visit, trust the smell and look for marks on the walls and at the bottom of partitions. Ask the owner whether the room has ever had water damage. For furniture or archives, this is the deciding factor.

Do I need a written contract to rent a cellar?

A simple written agreement is strongly recommended, even for a small room. It sets the amount, the duration, the notice period, access and the accepted uses. It avoids most disagreements.

Who is concerned if there is damage?

It depends on the cause and on each person's contracts. Ask your insurer before you commit, and ask the owner to do the same.

Can I get to my things whenever I want?

That is for you and the owner to agree, and it varies a lot from one space to another. Raise it before you commit and note the agreed hours in the written agreement.