Rental application dossier for a flat in St. Gallen
St. Gallen is the hub of eastern Switzerland, a university town and a workplace for people from across the region. The rental market is more relaxed than in Zurich, but attractive period flats and central addresses still go fast. A professional dossier makes the best impression on property managers.
St. Gallen’s rental market: more choice, but popular areas
Compared with the big cities, the vacancy rate in St. Gallen is somewhat higher, so tenants have more choice. Flats in the old town around the Abbey District, in Rotmonten near the university and on quiet hillsides with a view remain in demand. At the start of each semester, many students from the HSG and the university of applied sciences compete for small flats.
Because the market leaves a little more room, landlords pay closer attention to the quality of the application. Applicants who seem reliable, provide complete documents and communicate clearly are often preferred, even over applicants with higher incomes.
Debt register extract in St. Gallen
If you already live in the city, get the extract from the City of St. Gallen debt collection office. If you are moving from Gossau, Rorschach or another municipality, order it from the office responsible there. Ordering is usually possible online or at the counter. Extracts older than three months are often rejected.
The usual documents in St. Gallen
Property managers in St. Gallen expect the application form, a recent debt register extract, a copy of your ID, proof of income and your current landlord’s contact details. Students add proof of enrolment and usually a joint guarantee from their parents. A short cover letter, ideally in German, rounds off the dossier.
Viewings in St. Gallen
Many viewings are individual appointments, which leaves room for a personal conversation. Be friendly and direct, talk openly about pets or instruments and ask about the house rules. In older buildings, a question about heating and insulation is worthwhile: winters in St. Gallen can be long.
Our tip for St. Gallen
Make use of the somewhat wider choice and apply for several suitable flats in parallel. With a finished PDF dossier, each additional application takes only a few minutes.
Frequently asked questions
- Is it easier to find a flat in St. Gallen?
- Usually yes, as supply is larger than in Zurich or Zug. In the old town and near the university, however, competition is noticeable.
- What do students in St. Gallen need to provide?
- Proof of enrolment, a copy of their ID and a joint guarantee from their parents with the parents’ proof of income and debt register extract.
- Where do I get the debt register extract for St. Gallen?
- From the debt collection office where you currently live; in the city, the City of St. Gallen debt collection office.
- How far ahead should I apply in St. Gallen?
- The usual local notice dates apply. Starting early lets you view several flats and gives you more flexibility when choosing your move-in date.