Request a rent reduction in Switzerland
If the mortgage reference rate has fallen since your rent was last set, you can request a reduction in writing for the next termination date (Art. 270a CO). Each 0.25-percentage-point drop allows about 2.91 % less rent; the landlord may offset inflation and cost increases against it. The landlord must reply within 30 days.
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Key facts
| Law | Art. 270a CO, Art. 13 VMWG |
|---|---|
| Rule of thumb | −0.25 percentage points reference rate ≈ −2.91 % rent |
| Effective | Next termination date, observing the notice period |
| Landlord’s reply | Within 30 days |
| If refused | Apply to the conciliation authority within 30 days (free of charge) |
| Current rate | See bwo.admin.ch (published quarterly) |
Frequently asked questions
Rent reduction for construction noise or other defects?
Yes, that is a second reason: for defects such as construction noise you can ask for a reduction while the defect lasts (Art. 259d CO). Report it in writing; the amount depends on how much you are affected.
Which reference rate applies to me?
The rate stated in your lease or last rent adjustment. If none is stated, the rate when the lease was signed.
Can the landlord offset the reduction?
Yes, partly: with 40 % of inflation and general cost increases since the last adjustment. The landlord must justify this.
What if the landlord does not reply?
Apply to the conciliation authority for your district within 30 days after the reply period ends. The procedure is free of charge.
Free template
Copy the text and replace the details in [brackets]. Or fill in our form – we send the letter by registered mail for you.
The template is in German, which Swiss companies and authorities expect. You can fill in our form in English.
Begehren um Herabsetzung des Mietzinses gemäss Art. 270a OR
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren Mein derzeitiger Nettomietzins von CHF [Aktueller Nettomietzins pro Monat] beruht auf einem hypothekarischen Referenzzinssatz von [Referenzzinssatz in Ihrem Vertrag] %. Der aktuell publizierte Referenzzinssatz beträgt 1.25 %. Gestützt auf Art. 270a OR verlange ich daher die entsprechende Herabsetzung des Mietzinses auf den nächstmöglichen Kündigungstermin. Allfällige Gegenforderungen (z. B. Teuerung, Kostensteigerungen) bitte ich Sie, detailliert zu belegen. Ich ersuche Sie, mir innert 30 Tagen schriftlich mitzuteilen, ob Sie meinem Begehren entsprechen. Freundliche Grüsse