Paying too much rent?
In Switzerland, your rent is legally tied to the mortgage reference rate — and it has dropped back to its historic low of 1.25 %. If your lease still assumes 1.5 % or 1.75 %, you have a statutory right to a rent reduction (Art. 270a Swiss Code of Obligations). Most landlords won’t pass it on unless you ask — with a formal letter, in German.
- Free & non-binding
- Runs entirely in your browser — nothing is uploaded
- Honest: your landlord’s counterclaims are already deducted
Legal basis
Reduction claim under Art. 270a Swiss Code of Obligations, pass-on rates under Art. 13 VMWG, inflation offset under Art. 16 VMWG — the same mechanics the conciliation authorities apply.
Official data
The Federal Office for Housing’s reference-rate series (as of 2 Jun 2026) and the Swiss consumer price index (May 2026) are built in — no estimates.
Honestly calculated
Inflation and the standard cost-increase allowance your landlord may offset are deducted right away. You see the realistic net claim — not a shop-window number.
Frequently asked questions
What is the reference rate, and why does it affect my rent?
Swiss rents for existing leases are coupled to the national mortgage reference rate, published quarterly by the Federal Office for Housing. When it falls, tenants are entitled to request a proportional rent reduction — when it rises, landlords may raise the rent. It fell to 1.25 % in September 2025; leases based on 1.5 % or 1.75 % typically carry a claim of roughly 3–6 % of the net rent.
Where do I find my base reference rate?
It is printed on the official form of your last rent adjustment («Hypothekarischer Referenzzinssatz»). If you can’t find it, we derive it automatically from the date — and show you exactly which assumption we made.
Why does the letter have to be in German?
The reduction request is a formal legal notice to your landlord, and case law expects it in the form and language your landlord’s administration works with — in most of Switzerland that means a precisely worded German letter citing the correct legal provisions. That is exactly what our service produces for you: you answer the questions in English, your landlord receives a legally correct German request.
What happens after the request is sent?
Your landlord has 30 days to respond. If they agree, your rent drops as of the next notice date. If they refuse or stay silent, you can take the case to the conciliation authority within 30 days — the proceedings are free of charge. Be aware that hearings are held in the local official language and you generally have to attend in person; we prepare the paperwork and brief you beforehand.
Why are indexed and stepped leases excluded?
With an indexed lease your rent follows the consumer price index (Art. 269b CO), with a stepped lease the agreed schedule (Art. 269c CO) — during their term, neither can be adjusted to the reference rate. A request would be futile, so we tell you honestly.
Is this legal advice?
No. The check is a non-binding calculation aid based on the official formulas and data. For binding advice, contact the conciliation authority, a tenants’ association (Mieterverband / ASLOCA) or a lawyer.