Frequently asked questions

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.

Yes, landlords must inform tenants about the rent increase in good time using an official form. Key dates are the termination dates and deadlines agreed in the tenancy agreement or the customary local termination dates if these are not specified in the agreement. Please note the instructions for appeals on the rent adjustment form (reverse side).

Any rent adjustment is regulated by law so it can only happen if the necessary requirements are met. As tenancy agreements for tenants are based on different conditions (e.g. reference interest rate), the potential for adjustments and the amount will also vary. 
For example, if different notice periods are agreed, there may also be different dates for rent adjustments.

Tenancy law stipulates that the party initiating a change in the rent must be the one to take action. 

• If the reference interest rate drops, tenants may request a rent reduction. 
• If the reference interest rate goes up, landlords may communicate a rent increase.

No. Reduction requests submitted by e-mail will not be accepted. Ideally, tenants should submit their reduction request via our digital tenant portal myLivit. The request must be signed by hand by all tenants and uploaded as a scan or photo. We will also accept reduction requests sent to us by post (registered mail or A/B Mail).

There is no fixed time limit; the claim does not expire, so it can be made at any date. The implementation of the adjustment may be postponed to a later date, depending on the date of receipt.