Rental application dossier for a flat in Lausanne
A university town, the Olympic capital and the economic heart of the canton of Vaud, Lausanne attracts students, researchers and families. UNIL, EPFL and the CHUV university hospital bring many newcomers every year, and demand for flats is high. A complete dossier, ideally in French, is the key to getting a flat.
Lausanne’s rental market: tight and run by régies
Vacancies in Lausanne are very low. Flats near the m2 metro, in the Sous-Gare area, in lakeside Ouchy and around the Flon are especially sought after. Before each semester, demand for studios and small flats surges, including in Renens, Prilly and Ecublens near the universities.
As in Geneva, most flats are let through régies. They receive many applications and consistently weed out incomplete dossiers. Part of the supply consists of subsidised or affordable flats subject to income and residence conditions.
Debt register extract in Lausanne
In the canton of Vaud, debt collection offices are organised by district. For Lausanne, the Office des poursuites du district de Lausanne is responsible. If you still live elsewhere, order the extract from your current office; régies also accept an extract in German as long as it is recent.
Documents for Vaud régies
Typical documents are the régie’s form, the debt register extract, ID and residence permit, your last three payslips and a confirmation from your current landlord. Students add proof of enrolment and a guarantee from a parent. Many régies also ask for a copy of your personal liability insurance certificate.
Viewings in Lausanne
Viewings often take place at fixed times with many interested people. Lausanne is steep, so allow extra time to get there, be punctual and bring a printed dossier. A short introduction in French and concrete questions about the move-in date leave a good impression.
Our tip for Lausanne
If you are coming to study or work at EPFL or UNIL, start searching several weeks before the semester begins and keep your dossier ready as a PDF in French. Also consider municipalities on the m1, m2 and RER Vaud lines: from Renens, Prilly or Pully, the centre is only minutes away.
Frequently asked questions
- Where do I order the debt register extract for Lausanne?
- From the Office des poursuites du district de Lausanne if you live there; otherwise from the debt collection office where you currently live.
- Do I need liability insurance to rent in Lausanne?
- It is not required by law, but many Vaud régies ask for a personal liability insurance certificate together with your dossier.
- What do students need for a flat in Lausanne?
- Proof of enrolment, ID, a residence permit and usually a guarantee from their parents with the parents’ proof of income.
- What is the official initial-rent form?
- In the canton of Vaud, landlords must disclose the previous tenant’s rent on an official form when signing a new lease. This lets you judge whether the new rent is reasonable and challenge it within the legal deadline if needed.