Why choose a flexible rental guarantee instead of the classic surety?

Because we never know what the future holds.
With the flexible rental guarantee, you can adjust your guarantee to your needs throughout your lease. For example: you start with a surety without a bank deposit when signing your lease; later, you have available funds and want to reduce your premium—you can then choose to pay part or all of your guarantee as a flexible deposit. If, on the other hand, you wish to get your money back, you can do so, and your premium is automatically adjusted.
Firstcaution is the only provider offering a flexible rental guarantee.

What is the difference between a flexible deposit and a bank deposit?

Unlike a bank deposit, with the flexible rental guarantee, your money is not locked. Throughout the duration of your lease, you can recover the money from your deposit by converting it into a surety. Your premium is automatically adjusted.
Firstcaution is the only provider offering a flexible rental guarantee.

Why request a rental guarantee certificate?

You're looking for a place to live and want to maximize your chances. Request a free, no-obligation certificate. It’s a useful document to include in your rental application. It proves your financial reliability.
(At Firstcaution, this document is free. Request a provisional certificate on our website. It’s proof that Firstcaution will support you with your rental guarantee as soon as you find your home!)

If my lease starts in the middle of the year, do I have to pay for a full year?

With some providers, regardless of your lease start date, you're required to pay for the entire first year.
Firstcaution calculates the premium based on the start date of your lease. This way, you don’t pay for a full year unnecessarily.

Do I have to pay in advance to receive my rental guarantee?

Most providers require payment before issuing the rental guarantee.
With Firstcaution, you can choose to pay online with a 5% discount or by invoice within 30 days after receiving your rental guarantee.

I’ve already blocked 3 months’ rent in a bank account, can I switch?

If you’re already a tenant and want to switch from a bank deposit to a rental guarantee during your lease, it’s possible to recover your deposit from the bank and subscribe to a rental guarantee with a provider. You must ask your landlord or property management to set up a new guarantee and then request the release of the deposit.
With Firstcaution, all you have to do is register—we take care of the rest.

I'm young, am I eligible for a discount?

Only Firstcaution and Swisscaution offer special rental guarantee conditions to help young people rent.
Firstcaution is the only one to offer a 50% discount on the premium during the first year for those under 30.

What documents do I need to provide to obtain a rental guarantee?

In general, the following documents are required to obtain a rental guarantee:

• The completed and signed form (unless registering online)
• A copy of your lease agreement (with Firstcaution, an unsigned draft lease is sufficient)
• A copy of the ID and/or residence permit (if non-Swiss) of all tenants and guarantors

Can I cancel my rental guarantee?

You can cancel your rental guarantee at any time after providing an equivalent guarantee to your landlord.

What happens if I move out and cancel my guarantee in the middle of the year?

Most rental guarantee providers will refund the difference between the annual premium already paid and the date of your move-out. Some may charge fees.
With Firstcaution, once your guarantee is canceled, you can request a pro rata refund.

Is the rental guarantee accepted by all property managers?

Property management companies generally accept both bank deposits and sureties, and often recommend the flexible rental guarantee. Some landlords may refuse solutions that are not FINMA-approved.

What should I do in case of a claim?

At the end of the lease, only in case of a claim, and upon presentation of an agreement between the tenant and the landlord or a court ruling, the guarantee company will pay all or part of the rental guarantee and will request reimbursement from you.
Make sure to contact your insurance provider (liability or household insurance), which may cover these costs in some cases. If the lease ends without any claim, the guarantee ends upon confirmation of the move-out by the landlord or the property manager, and no further action is required.

Why choose an insurance company approved by FINMA?

FINMA is the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority. Its mission is to protect clients of the financial market (protection of individuals) and ensure the proper functioning of financial markets (market stability).
Firstcaution, Smartcaution and Swisscaution are FINMA-approved insurance companies specialized in rental guarantees. This approval is a sign of the company’s reliability and financial soundness.