The property management (Verwaltung) has not accepted the flat because the cleaning was found to be inadequate. Now one thing matters above all: act methodically and meet the deadline. This guide shows what to do after a failed flat handover (Wohnungsabgabe) in Zürich and how to organise re-cleaning.
Quick enquiry: Send your location, preferred date and 2–3 photos via WhatsApp to +41 78 747 15 14. Ideally include the inspection report as well.
Step 1: Get the inspection report in writing and take photos
Ask for the inspection report (Abnahmeprotokoll) listing all defects to be handed to you or sent by email. Read it carefully before signing. If you disagree with a point, you can note this in the report rather than simply signing.
Photograph every defect yourself – ideally with an overview shot and a close-up. The photos help later with the re-cleaning and with any discussions with the property management or the cleaning company.
Step 2: Distinguish cleaning defects from damage
Not everything in the report can be fixed with re-cleaning. Separate the points clearly:
| Cleaning defect (re-cleaning) | Damage (not a cleaning issue) |
|---|---|
| Limescale on taps, shower or washbasin | Scratches in the parquet or worktop |
| Grease residue in the oven or extractor hood | Cracked tiles or glass panels |
| Dust on frames, skirting boards or in cupboards | Holes in walls, damaged blinds |
| Dirty windows or window frames | Discolouration from wear or burn marks |
| Dirty filters, drains or fridge | Faulty appliances |
Damage should be settled with the property management and, if necessary, your personal liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung). A cleaning company cannot clean away damage.
Step 3: Contact the original cleaning company first
If a cleaning company carried out the final cleaning with a handover guarantee (Abgabegarantie), it is your first point of contact. A handover guarantee usually means the company will put right any cleaning defects. Inform the company immediately, send them the report and photos, and ask for an appointment before the deadline expires.
Check your quote or order confirmation: what exactly does the guarantee cover, and by when must the defect be reported? Another company cannot take over the guarantee of your original company. If you hire a new company, that is a separate job.
Step 4: Clarify the deadline with the property management
- By when must the re-cleaning be done, and is there a date for the follow-up inspection?
- Who hands out the key for the re-cleaning, and when must it be returned?
- What happens if the deadline is missed? Often the property management will then hire a company itself – at your expense.
- Get the deadline and appointment confirmed in writing.
Step 5: Book the re-cleaning
If you cleaned yourself, the original company does not respond or no guarantee was agreed, HouseHelper.ch can take on the re-cleaning – at short notice, depending on availability. We clean specifically the points listed in the report. We do not take over another company’s handover guarantee; our own handover guarantee applies to our move-out cleaning and final cleaning as per the order.
What the re-cleaning includes
- All cleaning defects listed in the report
- Typical problem areas: limescale, oven, extractor hood and filters, windows and frames, drains
- We bring our own cleaning products and equipment
What is not included
- Repairs and damage
- Disposal of furniture or items left behind
- Guarantee services of other companies
- Heavily cluttered flats, hoarder cases or biological hazards – specialised companies are responsible for these
What determines the price of re-cleaning
- Number and type of defects listed
- Size of the flat
- How stubborn the dirt is (e.g. baked-on oven grime, heavy limescale)
- Date and remaining deadline
For a complete final cleaning, you can find guide prices on our page Umzugsreinigung Zürich: Preise & Checkliste (in German).
Checklist after a failed inspection
- Inspection report received in writing
- Own photos taken of all defects
- Cleaning defects and damage separated
- Original cleaning company informed (if there is a handover guarantee)
- Deadline and follow-up inspection date confirmed in writing
- Key access for the re-cleaning arranged
- Re-cleaning booked and date fixed before the deadline
- Photos taken after the re-cleaning
We work throughout the canton of Zürich, with a focus on the city of Zürich and the left bank of Lake Zürich. You can reach us Monday to Friday 08:00–20:00 and Saturday 09:00–20:00; closed on Sundays. Other urgent jobs: Short-notice cleaning in Zürich.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to sign the inspection report straight away?
Read it carefully first. If you disagree with individual points, note this in the report. In any case, ask for a copy.
Will HouseHelper take over the guarantee of my previous cleaning company?
No. The guarantee remains with the company that gave it. We can carry out the re-cleaning as a separate job.
How quickly can re-cleaning be done?
At short notice, depending on availability. Send us the report, photos and the deadline, and we can check straight away whether an appointment fits.
What if the report also lists damage?
Damage should be settled with the property management and, if applicable, your personal liability insurance. We take care of the cleaning points.
Request re-cleaning now
Send us your location, deadline, inspection report and 2–3 photos – we will get back to you with an assessment.