Tenancy law

It is well known that Geneva is a canton of tenants. Tenancy Law is therefore often at the centre of disputes.

It is a very formal area of the law. Thus, many procedures, from the conclusion of a lease to its termination, including its amendments, require prior legal advice.

Maître Mark Muller is an Associate Judge at the Appeals Chamber for leases and rents of the Geneva Court of Justice.

Here are some examples of cases in which we have advised and represented clients:

• Negotiating a commercial lease to guarantee the amortization of the investments made.
• Giving a legal opinion to optimise the calculation of incidental expenses.
• Assisting a lessor in a dispute over the initial rent.
• Defending an international company whose rented premises have significant defects.
• Giving a legal opinion on the obligation to use an official notice for setting the initial rent in a building subject to state rent control.
• Terminating leases because of illegal subletting and getting the sub-tenants and tenants to leave.
• Terminating leases for non-payment and procedures with a view to their legal discharge.
• Assisting and advising a major service company in the negotiation and conclusion of a lease for its new premises.
• Establishing a lease for a high-end hotel.
• Calculating rent increases.