Probate office: the one-month deadline (Art. 553 ZGB)
Before any clearance, an estate inventory must be taken (Art. 553 ZGB). The competent probate office — in Basel-Stadt the Erbschaftsamt Basel-Stadt, in Basel-Landschaft the deceased's home municipality — records the inventory within one month of becoming aware of the death. Until that point, nothing belonging to the estate may be removed. If you intend to disclaim the inheritance (Art. 566 ZGB) — e.g. because debts are suspected — you have three months. Until clarified: clear nothing, alter nothing; otherwise it counts as implicit acceptance.
Practical sequence
After the inventory you can commission the clearance. Typical sequence: (1) sift important documents (insurance, bank, contracts); (2) separate keepsakes — ideally with family; (3) request 3–5 fixed-price quotes, e.g. via Offerio; (4) on-site visit with the chosen firm; (5) clearance with a family member present on day one (for last finds); (6) broom-clean handover, optional end-of-tenancy clean.
Cost and who pays
Clearance costs are borne by the estate, not the heirs personally. If the estate is insufficient, the inheritance is typically disclaimed — the bankruptcy office then handles the clearance. Typical Basel-region fixed-price ranges (2025/2026): 1–2.5-room flat single-person CHF 800–1,800; 3–4.5-room couple CHF 1,800–3,500; single-family house with cellar/attic CHF 3,500–7,000+. Credit for usable furniture can reduce the final price 10–30 percent.
Difficult cases
If hoarding is involved (often only apparent after entry): protective gear, odour treatment and added effort justify surcharges. For valuable single items (antiques, art): a prior valuation by an independent expert is recommended. For tenancy: clearance must finish by contract end — flag time pressure in the request.
FAQ
- When can clearance start at the earliest?
- After the probate office has taken the inventory (deadline 1 month from awareness of the death, Art. 553 ZGB). Before then: nothing.
- What if I want to disclaim the inheritance?
- Clear absolutely nothing. You have 3 months to disclaim (Art. 566 ZGB); premature clearance may be treated as acceptance.
- Who handles personal documents?
- That remains the relatives' job — insurance, bank and contract papers must be secured before the clearance. Clearance firms cannot reliably identify them.
- Is a clearance firm liability-insured?
- A professional firm must be (business liability insurance). When comparing offers, ask for the insurance certificate — a reputable firm provides it without hesitation.