Deadlines

Notice dates by canton – when your rent reduction takes effect

A rent reduction applies from the next termination date of your lease. Your request must reach the landlord before the notice period to that date begins – for flats at least three months. Which dates count depends on your lease and, if it is silent, on local custom in your canton.

The rule in short

• Lease first: termination dates and notice periods agreed in the lease apply (Art. 266a OR). Only if the lease is silent do the customary local dates apply.
• Minimum notice for flats: three months to a customary local date or, where there is none, to the end of a three-month rental period (Art. 266c OR).
• Reduction request: the tenant can demand the reduction for the next possible termination date (Art. 270a OR). Example: termination date 31 March, three months' notice → the request must reach the landlord by 31 December; the lower rent applies from 1 April.
• Allow for the post: a registered letter can take several days. Our calculator plans a buffer of five days.

Customary dates by canton

Customary dates can differ between municipalities. The dates in your lease always take precedence.