Renting Out a Second Home in Switzerland: Rules, Tourist Tax and What Is Allowed
May you rent out your second home at all?
That depends on the permit: holiday homes sold to non-residents under the Lex Koller often carry usage and rental restrictions. Some resorts conversely require rental through the operator. The first look belongs in the purchase contract and the regulations – not on a booking platform.
Tourist tax and registration: what every municipality demands
Anyone hosting guests for payment owes tourist tax in practically all municipalities – also for private letting. On top come registration duties: guests must be registered, levies settled. In tourist regions like Gstaad, Zermatt or the Engadin this is actively controlled.
- Settle tourist tax per guest per night
- Observe registration duties for overnight stays
- Check municipal rules – they differ locally
- Declare rental income for taxes
In practice: letting needs property care
Between the guests lies the real work: handovers, inspections, coordinating cleaning, documenting damage. Owners who rent out are best served separating clearly: an agency or platform handles bookings and guests – independent care represents your interests as owner and inspects between stays.
Your property, cared for also between guests
Swiss PA Services does not handle rentals – but the owner's side: inspections between stays, coordination with your rental agency, maintenance and arrival service. Free initial consultation, reply within 24 hours.