Rent Decrease: How to Request One in Switzerland

Has the reference mortgage rate dropped and you're wondering if you can benefit? Here's how it works, and most importantly, how not to miss the right timing.

The main criterion: the reference mortgage rate

In most cases, a rent decrease request is based on the drop in the reference mortgage rate since your rent was last set. If this rate has dropped since then, you're entitled to request a proportional reduction.

A precise timing to respect absolutely

This is the most important point, and the one most tenants miss: you can only request the decrease for the next term of your lease, respecting the notice period stated in the contract (generally 3 months for housing, 6 months for commercial premises). If you miss this window, you'll have to wait for the next term — often a full year later. Never wait: as soon as you notice a rate drop, send your request.

After sending, two deadlines follow

1. The property manager has 30 days to respond to your request.
2. If they refuse, respond insufficiently, or don't respond at all, you then have 30 days to refer the matter to the conciliation authority.

How to send the request

Send a registered letter to your property manager, specifying the current mortgage rate, the one applicable when your rent was last set, and the desired new rent. The calculation isn't always simple to do yourself — an error in method can weaken your request.

Indexed rent: an exception

If your rent is indexed to the Swiss consumer price index, it can only evolve according to that index during the lease term (minimum 5 years). A request based on the mortgage rate is only possible at the end of this 5-year period.

No risk in asking

• The procedure is free before cantonal authorities.
• A rent increase "in retaliation" following your request is extremely rare in practice.
• There is no blacklist of tenants who request a decrease — this is an urban legend.
• During proceedings, your current rent remains due; if the decrease is granted, it applies retroactively and any overpayment is refunded.