A 3,5-room apartment in Canton Lucerne has caused a major scandal, after the owner specified that they would only let the property to Swiss citizens. The ad highlights the struggles expats and internationals face when trying to find a home in Switzerland, with multiple studies suggesting they experience discrimination.
Promising an “attic apartment with a view of nature on the banks of a stream”, the 3,5-room apartment in Wolhusen, Canton Lucerne seemed to be a listing like any other. However, in the details of the property, below the fact that house pets were not allowed, was a statement that the apartment would only be offered to those who are “Swiss".
Speaking to 20 Minuten, the person who spotted the ad accused the landlord of discrimination. "Such a restriction is not only discriminatory, but also increases social inequalities and makes it more difficult to find affordable housing… I am shocked," they wrote.
The whistleblower noted that this wasn’t the only time they had been rejected for a rental home due to not being Swiss. "Advertisements like this make me sad and make me doubt my identity," they said, adding that even though they were born and studied in Switzerland, “just because of my name, origins or my appearance”, they are still restricted in the country where they grew up.
Several major studies have suggested that the incident in Lucerne is not an isolated case. For instance, a 2018 report from the Federal Housing Office found that those with Swiss names were more likely to be invited to a house viewing than those with Kosovar or Turkish surnames.
A 2022 report from a working group of the United Nations also concluded that "racial discrimination persists in the Swiss housing market". Speaking to 20 Minuten, Swiss Tenants' Association lawyer Christian Dandrès noted that the case in Lucerne is exceptional, as usually, landlords are not as blatant and overt in their preference for renting to locals.
With homes to rent in Switzerland continuing to be in short supply, these inequalities have become more visible.
Responding to 20 Minuten, the Federal Commission against Racism said that the “Swiss only” ad is illegal. "Refusing to rent accommodation to a person for purely racist reasons constitutes an attack on personality and a violation of the rules of good faith."
Swiss Marketplace Group, the owners of Homegate and Immoscout24, confirmed that the listing has now been deleted as it breaks its guidelines. Speaking anonymously, the landlord has since contacted 20 Minuten, apologising for the ad and saying it was not their intention to cause offence.