Frequently asked questions

The deposit will only be repaid once all of the costs incurred during the tenancy have been paid in full.

The repayment will only be delayed if there are still questions about certain costs or if they have not yet been paid. These costs usually apply to repairs for damage identified when the property is handed back or to an open ancillary cost bill.

The deposit is normally a maximum of three months’ rent. A deposit gives the landlord security in case a tenant doesn't pay their rent, ancillary costs or cause damage to the rental property.

Any costs for repairing damage or replacing parts are recorded in the property handover checklist and may be deducted from the deposit. Other reasons could be outstanding rent payments or additional ancillary costs that have not yet been paid.

The deposit must be paid in full at least one week before the lease commences.

Livit recommends Firstcaution’s products to its tenants: this company offers both rental deposit insurance and the option of storing the deposit in a bank account. Livit will also accept the submission of a surety certificate. Please note that keys cannot be collected if the deposit has not been made. The tenant is responsible for transferring the deposit on time.

The formula for the relative method of rent adjustment is based on a model developed by the Federal Office for Housing. If the reference interest rate drops by a quarter of one percent, this will result in a rent reduction of 2.91%. In addition to the reference interest rate, 40% of the inflation rate (National Consumer Price Index) and cost increases may also be passed on to the rent. This can vary depending on the contract and the individual circumstances.

The reference interest rate is an indicator of mortgage interest rates in Switzerland. It is used as a basis for calculating rents. If the reference interest rate drops, tenants are generally entitled to a rent reduction.

No. Tenants must request the reduction from their landlord in writing. If no request is made, the rent will remain unchanged.

Yes, you can appeal the rent increase to the arbitration authority within 30 days of receiving the letter from your landlord. See the appeal instructions on the rent adjustment form.

It’s impossible to say at this point. The reference interest rate is announced quarterly by the Federal Office for Housing.
Experts assume that the reference interest rate will continue to rise over the next few years.

An adjustment can only be made based on a change in the reference interest rate if the interest rate of the tenancy agreement or the latest rent adjustment is lower than the currently applicable rate. An adjustment can be made for inflation or cost increases irrespective of the reference interest rate.