Wann habe ich Anspruch auf Mietzinssenkung in der Schweiz?

In der Schweiz hast du Anspruch auf Mietzinssenkung, wenn der hypothekarische Referenzzinssatz seit Abschluss deines Mietvertrags gesunken ist (Art. 270a OR). Pro 0.25% Senkung des Referenzzinssatzes darfst du 2.91% des Nettomietzinses verlangen. Aktuell beträgt der Referenzzinssatz 1.25% (Stand September 2025).

Wer hat in der Schweiz Anspruch auf Mietzinssenkung?

Alle Mieterinnen und Mieter in der Schweiz, deren Mietvertrag auf einem höheren Referenzzinssatz basiert als dem aktuellen. Der Anspruch entsteht per Gesetz (Art. 270a OR) und besteht ohne Zustimmung des Vermieters. Entscheidend ist der im Mietvertrag genannte Referenzzinssatz bei Vertragsabschluss.

When am I entitled to a rent reduction in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, you are entitled to a rent reduction when the reference interest rate (Referenzzinssatz) has fallen since you signed your lease (Art. 270a CO). For each 0.25% drop, you can claim a 2.91% reduction of your net rent. The current reference rate is 1.25% (as of September 2025).

Wie berechnet sich die Mietzinssenkung in der Schweiz?

Formel: (Referenzzinssatz bei Vertragsabschluss − aktueller Referenzzinssatz) ÷ 0.25 = Anzahl Stufen. Jede Stufe berechtigt zu 2.91% Senkung des Nettomietzinses. Beispiel: 1.75% Vertragszins − 1.25% aktuell = 0.5% Differenz = 2 Stufen = 5.82% Senkung.

Muss der Vermieter der Mietzinssenkung zustimmen?

Nein. Der Anspruch auf Mietzinssenkung besteht auf erstes schriftliches Verlangen hin (Art. 270a OR). Der Vermieter muss nicht zustimmen. Er kann eine Senkung nur ablehnen, wenn er nachweist, dass seine Kosten in gleichem Mass gestiegen sind.

Reference interest rate: 1.25% — as of September 2025

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The Swiss reference interest rate has dropped. If your lease was based on a higher rate, you have the legal right to reduce your rent — check it now for free.

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Art. 270a CO

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Who is entitled to a rent reduction in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, every tenant is entitled to a rent reduction when the reference interest rate (Referenzzinssatz) has dropped since the lease was signed — regardless of the landlord's consent (Art. 270a CO).

Condition 1 — Reference rate has dropped

The reference rate stated in your lease must be higher than the current rate (as of September 2025: 1.25%). The greater the difference, the larger the possible reduction.

Condition 2 — Written request required

The reduction does not apply automatically. Tenants must request it in writing from the landlord. Delivery must be provable — best by registered mail.

Condition 3 — Residential property in Switzerland

Swiss tenancy law (Art. 270a CO) applies to all residential and commercial premises in Switzerland, unless contractual exceptions have been agreed.

Example: Lease with reference rate 1.75%, current rate 1.25% → 2 reduction steps → 5.82% less net rent, i.e. saving approx. CHF 116 per month on CHF 2,000 net rent.
Source: Federal Office for Housing (FOH) · Art. 270a CO

How it works

Three steps — done. All you need is your lease.

Scan your lease

Take a photo of your lease with your phone or enter the rent and reference rate manually.

Calculate entitlement

We instantly calculate whether you're entitled and how much you save monthly and yearly.

Send the letter

Download the legally correct reduction letter for free, or have it sent by registered mail for CHF 9.90.

How is the reduction calculated?

Legal basis: Art. 270a CO (Swiss Code of Obligations)

Step 1

Determine difference

Contract rate − current reference rate = difference

Step 2

Count steps

Each 0.25% reduction equals one step

Step 3

Calculate reduction

Each step entitles you to reduce net rent by 2.91%

Step 4

New rent

Current rent × (1 − reduction%) = new rent

Frequently Asked Questions

When am I entitled?

When the reference interest rate has fallen since you signed your lease. For example, if your contract states 1.75% and the current rate is 1.50%, you're entitled.

Does my landlord have to agree?

No. The entitlement exists upon first written request. The landlord can only refuse if they can demonstrate other increased costs — which they must prove.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. The process is clearly defined by law. With our letter you have everything you need. If refused, the rental conciliation authority is available for free.

What does it cost?

Checking and downloading the letter are free. For CHF 9.90 you can have the letter sent by registered post to your landlord — no trip to the post office needed.

My lease is in German — can the app handle that?

Yes, the text recognition is optimised for Swiss leases in German. For manual entry, you only need two numbers: net rent and the reference rate in your contract.

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