Your rights as a tenant — explained simply.
Challenge the initial rent, report defects, reclaim the deposit, terminate correctly. Not legal advice — but a good place to start.
Guide articles
Challenging the initial rent: deadline, official form and procedure
30-day deadline, previous-rent form, conciliation authority. Art. 270 CO.
Getting your rental deposit back: deadlines, blocked account and deductions
Max. 3 months' rent, blocked account in your name, release after one year at the latest. Art. 257e CO.
Giving notice on your flat correctly: deadlines, dates and replacement tenants
3 months' notice, customary dates, registered mail, both partners sign.
Reporting defects: set a deadline, reduce the rent, deposit it
In writing, with a deadline. Claim a reduction, deposit the rent as a last resort. Art. 259a ff. CO.
Requesting a rent reduction: reference rate, calculation and procedure
Reference rate down? About 2.91 percent less rent per 0.25 percentage points. With calculator and letter template. Art. 270a CO.
Checking service charges: what the landlord may bill
Only what the lease lists may be billed. Inspect the receipts, dispute the statement. Art. 257a CO.
Frequently asked
Only with the official form, at least 10 days before the notice period starts, and with a reason (e.g. reference rate, inflation, value-adding investments). You can contest it within 30 days at the conciliation authority.
At most three months' net rent (Art. 257e CO). It belongs in an escrow account in your name. Without agreement or lawsuit the bank must release it one year after the tenancy ends.
Local dates, usually end of March, June and September. The notice period is three months. Notice must be in writing and, for family homes, signed by both partners.
If the reference rate has dropped since you signed: yes, roughly 2.91 % less rent per 0.25 percentage points. You have to request it yourself, in writing. The calculator shows the amount.
Report the defect in writing immediately and set a deadline. If it persists you may claim a rent reduction or deposit the rent with the conciliation authority (Art. 259g CO).
These are quick tips on the most common questions – not legal advice. For specific cases: Swiss Tenants’ Association (mieterverband.ch).