Searching for an apartment with children: How families can improve their chances
Searching for an apartment with children can require patience in Switzerland's tight housing markets. With a realistic search profile, a complete application dossier, clear financial information and a personal application, families can significantly improve their chances.
Author: Nikita von Niederhäuser , UrbanHome property expert Updated: · Reading time: approx. 12 minutes
Searching for an apartment with children
Families often look for apartments with several rooms, sufficient storage, safe routes to school, childcare and affordable rent.
These are precisely the apartments in greatest demand in cities and well-connected urban areas.
However, having children does not automatically mean worse chances. Landlords and property managers may value families for stability, longer tenancies and responsible use of the property.
A good application quickly answers:
- Who will move into the apartment?
- Is the apartment suitable for the family's size?
- Can rent and service charges be paid reliably?
- Are the documents complete and clear?
- Why is the family interested in this apartment?
- Is a long-term tenancy likely?
Families can nevertheless avoid unnecessary disadvantages by planning their search realistically and making the application easy for the property manager to assess.
Define a realistic search profile
Many unsuccessful applications are not caused by the children, but by the fact that many households compete for the same small number of apartments.
A realistic search profile broadens the selection of suitable properties and prevents applications for apartments that do not meet the family's financial or practical needs.
Calculate all costs
Consider net rent, service charges, parking, electricity, internet, childcare and transport together.
Choose a realistic apartment size
Look beyond the number of rooms: assess the floor plan, storage, furnishing options and long-term space needs.
Consider everyday life
Consider routes to school, childcare, shops, public transport and work as one connected system.
Divide requirements into three groups
| Category | Examples | Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Must-have criteria | Maximum rent, minimum number of rooms, accessible school and any required step-free access. | Every apartment should meet these requirements. |
| Important preferences | Lift, balcony, private washing machine and dryer, additional toilet or short commute. | Some compromises may be considered. |
| Optional advantages | New building, view, preferred flooring or a particular neighbourhood. | These wishes should not restrict the search unnecessarily. |
Prepare the dossier before the viewing
For popular rental apartments, there is often little time left after a viewing.
Anyone who starts gathering documents only afterwards may lose valuable hours or days. Families should prepare a basic digital dossier that can be adapted to each apartment.
| Document | Purpose | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Application form | Records the information required by the property manager. | Complete it fully, legibly and truthfully. |
| Debt enforcement register extract | Helps assess the ability to pay rent. | Keep it recent and obtain extracts from the relevant debt enforcement districts. |
| Proof of income | Shows that rent and service charges are affordable. | Submit only the documents requested and necessary. |
| Employment contract or employer confirmation | Can help verify employment and income. | Only if requested or helpful in your situation. |
| References | Can confirm reliability and previous tenancy arrangements. | Inform referees in advance. |
| Short covering letter | Explains the family's interest and suitability. | Personal, specific and only a few paragraphs long. |
Clear file names
01_Application_form_Family_Sample.pdf 02_Debt_enforcement_extract_Max_Sample.pdf 03_Debt_enforcement_extract_Anna_Sample.pdf 04_Proof_of_income_Family_Sample.pdf 05_Cover_letter_Family_Sample.pdf
One clearly organised PDF may be more convenient than many unsorted attachments. If the property manager requires a particular portal or document order, follow these instructions exactly.
Present income and the debt enforcement extract clearly
The landlord needs to assess whether the household can afford the rent over the long term.
In practice, a common rule of thumb is that housing costs should not exceed approximately one third of household income.
However, this rule of thumb is not a statutory limit.
Present household income clearly
If both parents work, the application should clearly show the regular household income available.
For self-employment, fixed-term employment, social benefits or variable income, additional explanations or evidence may help.
Property managers may weigh income, household size, financial obligations, employment status and other objective factors differently.
Short summary for the dossier
Regular gross household income: CHF [amount] per month Employment: two permanent employment contracts Desired move-in date: [date] People moving in: two adults and two children
Debt enforcement register extract
The debt enforcement register extract is often required with rental applications as evidence of financial reliability.
It lists debt enforcement proceedings initiated in the relevant district during the past five years.
Anyone who has lived in several debt enforcement districts during that period may need several extracts for a complete picture.
If the extract contains an entry requiring explanation, a short factual explanation may be better than hoping it goes unnoticed.
Present your family positively and credibly
Families do not have to justify having children. At the same time, a brief, factual covering letter can make the application more personal.
Who belongs to the household?
Why is the apartment suitable for the family?
What is important about the location or floor plan?
Why is there long-term interest?
When could the family move in?
Lengthy explanations to justify having children
Private health information
School grades or detailed hobbies
Exaggerated promises
Claims such as “our children are always completely quiet”
Mention children factually
The number of people moving in should be stated correctly.
A simple wording is enough, for example: “We are a family of four with two kindergarten-age children, looking for a long-term home close to schools and childcare.”
Prepare referees properly
References can reinforce the positive impression made by an application dossier.
Previous landlords or employers are frequently named. Always inform referees beforehand.
Tell the referee:
- that you are currently applying for apartments,
- which property manager may contact them,
- what information they may confirm,
- which telephone number or email address can be used to reach them.
A written reference from a previous landlord can also confirm that rent was paid reliably and the apartment was treated responsibly.
Reference checks should be limited to information relevant to the rental application. More extensive information should not be obtained without the person's knowledge or appropriate consent.
Respond quickly without being careless
For desirable apartments, applying early can be an advantage.
Search alerts, prepared documents and flexible viewing appointments can save valuable time.
Read the entire listing
Check requirements and rule out unsuitable apartments early.
Prepare your schedule
Where possible, coordinate work and childcare for viewings arranged at short notice.
Keep your basic dossier up to date
Do not collect all documents from scratch after every viewing.
Apply promptly
If the apartment is suitable, submit the form and documents completely and without delay.
Tailor your covering letter
Do not send the same generic text to every property manager.
Do not follow up constantly
One polite, factual follow-up is sufficient once the announced decision deadline has passed.
Broaden the search area and types of housing strategically
Searching exclusively in one popular neighbourhood greatly reduces the available choice.
Neighbouring municipalities, other districts and places along good public transport connections may offer more options.
Distance is not the only factor. A nearby municipality with a direct train connection may be easier to reach than another district within the same city requiring several changes.
| Broader search | Possible benefit | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Neighbouring municipalities | More listings and sometimes lower rents. | Schools, childcare, taxes, public transport and commuting time. |
| Other neighbourhoods | More choice within the same city. | Routes to school, noise, safety and infrastructure. |
| Older properties | Sometimes lower rents and larger rooms. | Insulation, service charges, lift, laundry room and condition. |
| Housing cooperatives | Potentially attractive long-term, family-friendly housing. | Membership, waiting lists, occupancy rules and income limits. |
| Temporary accommodation | Can provide time to continue looking for a long-term home. | Fixed term, moving costs, notice provisions and planning security. |
Compromises should never undermine basic safety or financial affordability. A slightly more distant location may make sense; permanently excessive housing costs usually do not.
Consider housing cooperatives and non-profit providers
Housing cooperatives, municipal foundations and other non-profit housing providers may offer attractive homes for families.
Cooperative shares
Depending on the provider, purchasing cooperative shares may be required to obtain an apartment.
Check the number of residents
Many listings require a minimum number of people for an apartment of a particular size.
Income & assets
Some housing offers have financial eligibility limits.
Waiting lists
Some providers use waiting lists or fixed application periods.
Local ties
Living or working in a particular municipality may be required.
Start early
Arrange membership and applicant profiles before the search becomes urgent.
Personal data in rental applications
Landlords and property managers may collect data that are objectively relevant and necessary to select suitable tenants.
Data collection must be transparent, purpose-specific and proportionate.
Objectively relevant information may include
- names and contact details of the contracting parties,
- number of people moving in,
- employment and verifiable income information,
- debt enforcement register extract,
- desired move-in date,
- pets or special uses of the apartment.
Not all private information is needed for a tenancy agreement.
Do not send particularly sensitive documents in advance to unknown or unverified advertisers.
Once the selection process is complete, application documents that are no longer needed should generally be deleted or destroyed unless there is a specific lawful reason to retain them.
steps towards better chances
Set a maximum rent and total housing budget.
Define essential requirements and optional wishes.
Expand the search to suitable neighbouring municipalities and public transport routes.
Set up search alerts on suitable platforms.
Prepare the application form, debt enforcement extract and proof of income.
Inform referees and check their contact details.
Check the apartment, neighbourhood and routes to school before applying.
Attend viewings reliably and punctually.
Submit a complete application promptly.
Tailor the covering letter to the individual apartment.
Respect the decision deadline and follow up politely once if necessary.
After a rejection, review the dossier, budget and search profile, then keep looking.
Short application letter for a rental apartment
Adapt the letter to the specific apartment and replace all placeholders before sending.
Dear Ms/Mr [name] Thank you for showing us the apartment at [address]. We particularly liked its practical floor plan, quiet location and proximity to schools and childcare. We are a family of four with two children and are looking for a long-term home in the area. We have a regular household income and have attached the completed application form and the requested documents. We could move in from [date]. Please contact us if you have any questions or require further documents. Kind regards [First name Last name] [Telephone] [Email]
Real-life apartment search scenarios
Good income, incomplete documents
A family has sufficient income but submits the debt enforcement extract only several days after the viewing.
Another family sends all required documents on the same day. Their complete application can be assessed more easily and quickly.
Search expanded sensibly
A family initially searches in only one popular city neighbourhood.
After several rejections, they expand the search to two well-connected neighbouring municipalities. Their commute barely changes, while the selection of larger apartments increases.
Common mistakes when applying for an apartment
| Mistakes | Possible consequence | Better solution |
|---|---|---|
| Incomplete documents | The application cannot be assessed immediately. | Prepare a basic dossier before starting the search. |
| Illegible scans | Important details cannot be read or verified. | Check documents and organise them clearly. |
| Generic covering letter | The interest in this particular apartment remains unclear. | Mention the location, floor plan or long-term suitability specifically. |
| Unrealistic budget | Doubts about long-term affordability. | Calculate all housing costs before applying. |
| Uninformed referees | Referees do not respond or are surprised by the call. | Inform referees in advance and check their availability. |
| Too much private information | The application becomes long and confusing. | Present only relevant information clearly. |
| Incorrect or misleading details | Loss of trust and possible later disputes. | Provide truthful information on material matters. |
| Sending documents without checks | Risk of unnecessary disclosure of personal data. | Verify the advertiser and transmission method first. |
Searching for an apartment with children
Maximum housing budget defined
Must-have criteria defined
Realistic apartment size selected
Service charges considered
Transport costs considered
Childcare costs considered
Search area expanded sensibly
Neighbouring municipalities checked
Public transport routes considered
Housing cooperatives checked
Search alerts set up
Notifications activated
Application form prepared
Recent debt enforcement extracts available
Proof of income compiled
Documents clearly named
Scans checked for legibility
Covering letter prepared
All people moving in correctly stated
Family presented factually
References informed
Contact details checked
No unnecessary private details
All information truthful
Schools and childcare checked
Commutes checked
Apartment really suits the family
Advertiser verified
Secure submission method checked
Only necessary documents sent
Related UrbanHome guides
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How can I find an affordable apartment?
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What are the advantages and disadvantages of a rental deposit?
Bank deposit or deposit insurance? Compare costs, security, repayment and possible drawbacks.
When are pets allowed in an apartment?
Which pets are permitted in rented homes? Find out when the landlord's consent is required.
Terminating an apartment lease early
Moving out before the regular termination date: how replacement tenants, documents and early termination work.
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Frequently asked questions about apartment searches with children
The most important answers explained concisely.
Not automatically. What matters is whether the apartment is suitable, the application dossier is complete, the income situation is clear, references are good and the overall impression is reliable.
An application form, a recent debt enforcement register extract and requested proof of income or employment are common. References and a short covering letter can complete the dossier.
The extract should be as recent as possible. Anyone who has lived in several debt enforcement districts in the past five years may need multiple extracts for a complete picture.
A common rule of thumb is to spend around one third of household income on housing. However, this is not a legally prescribed limit.
The number of people moving in should be stated truthfully. You may also briefly explain why the size, location and long-term use of the apartment suit the family.
It is not always required, but it can create a positive overall impression. Keep it short, specific and tailored to the apartment.
References from a previous landlord or employer may help. Inform those people in advance.
Personal data should only be collected where objectively necessary and proportionate for selecting suitable tenants and preparing a tenancy agreement.
For popular apartments, submit the prepared dossier as soon as possible after the viewing. Completeness and care matter more than a rushed application.
Neighbouring municipalities, other neighbourhoods, different types of buildings and well-connected locations along public transport routes can offer additional listings.
Housing cooperatives and non-profit providers may offer attractive homes for families. However, special eligibility requirements, occupancy rules or waiting lists often apply.
Continue searching, keep the dossier up to date and consider whether the search area, budget or requirements can be adjusted. One polite follow-up may sometimes yield useful feedback.
Good preparation improves your chances
Families improve their chances of finding a home in Switzerland primarily through good preparation.
A realistic budget, a sufficiently broad search area, a complete application dossier, recent debt enforcement extracts, clear income details and informed referees make it easier for the property manager to decide.
A short personal covering letter can also show why the apartment would suit the family in the long term.
Children should not be concealed or needlessly justified. What matters is an honest, reliable and professional overall impression.
Find current rental apartments in Switzerland
Compare rental apartments by region, number of rooms and budget, and organise your search so that the home fits your everyday family life in the long term.