Rent Reduction Request
Requesting lower rent due to rate drop.
With this template you request a rent reduction – e.g. after a drop in the reference interest rate – and send the letter straight by post, no account, from CHF 2.49. The request goes to the landlord; it is sensible to refer to the current reference rate.
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Suggested subject
Request for Rent Reduction – {{object_address}}
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Dear Sir or Madam, Due to the decrease in the reference interest rate, I request a rent reduction in accordance with Art. 270a CO, effective {{next_term_date}}. Please provide your calculation within 30 days. Yours sincerely,...
Requesting a rent reduction: how it works
Last updated: July 2026When the mortgage reference interest rate falls, tenants can usually request a downward adjustment of the rent. You address the reduction request in writing to the landlord, referring to the current reference rate as well as the rate in force at the last rent setting. Besides the rate, inflation and maintenance costs can also feed into the calculation.
The landlord must respond within a certain period; if they refuse or do not react, you can turn to the conciliation authority. Keep the request factual, state the desired new rent or the reduction and a date. Keep proof of posting, as deadlines run.
Recommended shipping method
Because deadlines attach to the reduction request, we recommend sending by registered mail (from CHF 8.99). That gives you proof of posting and of the date. This is a recommendation, not legal advice.
This information is provided as drafting help only and does not constitute legal advice. Deadlines and formal requirements can vary by contract, policy or canton – if in doubt, check with the relevant body.
Facts rent reduction
Overview (without warranty – if in doubt, conciliation authority/tenants' association):
- Trigger
- notably a drop in the reference rate
- Recipient
- the landlord / property management
- Reference
- current vs. earlier reference rate
- Response
- landlord must reply within a period
- If refused
- call the conciliation authority
- Recommended sending
- registered (proof)
How it works
Fill in template
Review PDF
Send via post
Common questions
When can I request a rent reduction?
In particular when the mortgage reference rate has fallen since the last rent setting. Other factors such as inflation and maintenance also play a role.
Who do I address the request to?
To the landlord or the property management. Refer to the current and earlier reference rate.
What if the landlord refuses?
If the landlord does not react or refuses, you can turn to the competent conciliation authority within the period.
What details go in the letter?
Your address, the rented object, the reference to the reference rate as well as the desired new rent or the reduction with a date.
How should I send the request?
We recommend registered mail (from CHF 8.99), as deadlines run and you should prove sending. Simple sending is possible from CHF 2.49.