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 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 rises by a quarter of one percent, this will result in a rent increase of 3%. 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. 

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.

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).

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.

Switzerland’s Federal Office for Housing publishes its reference interest rate quarterly, every 1 March, 1 June, 1 September and 1 December.

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.