Guides

Rent reduction in Switzerland – explained

What Swiss tenants need to know when the reference rate falls: how much you can claim, how to write the request, what landlords may object and what to do if they refuse.

• Rent reduction calculatorYour possible reduction in 30 seconds – no upload.
• Rent reduction request (Herabsetzungsbegehren): template & sampleSample letter for a Swiss rent reduction request under Art. 270a CO: content, deadline, registered mail and what happens after the landlord replies.
• Reference rate 1.25 %: what does it mean for your rent?The Swiss reference rate has been 1.25 % since 2 September 2025. Who can claim a rent reduction, how much is possible and what landlords may deduct.
• Landlord refuses your rent reduction – what to do nextRefused, partly accepted or no reply: within 30 days you can apply to the conciliation authority – free of charge and with protection from eviction.
• Inflation, cost increases and more: checking your landlord's objectionsYour landlord rejects a rent cut citing inflation, costs or yield? How to check each objection under Swiss law, with the legal limits that apply.
• Indexed and graduated rent: does the reference rate cut apply?With a valid indexed or graduated lease the Swiss reference rate does not count. How to recognise your lease type and what applies after the fixed term.
• Reference rate & CPI historyAll published rates since 2008 and the consumer price index.
• Notice dates by cantonWhen your reduction takes effect – with postcode lookup.