The reference mortgage rate used to determine rents throughout Switzerland has risen by 0.25 percentage points since it was last published, and now stands at 1.5%.
The reference interest rate is published in quarter percent. It is based on the weighted average interest rate for mortgages in Switzerland. The average interest rate on March 31, 2023, the reference date, rose from 1.33% in the previous quarter to 1.44%. As a result, the reference interest rate for rents is now 1.5%, in accordance with the rules of commercial rounding, and applies from June 2, 2023. It will remain at this level until the average mortgage interest rate falls below 1.38% or rises above 1.62%.
Compared with the previous quarter, the reference interest rate has therefore risen by 0.25 percentage points. As a result, under tenancy law, landlords are in principle entitled to increase rents by up to 3%, provided that the current rent is based on the former reference rate of 1.25% in force since March 3, 2020.
If the rent is still based on a reference interest rate of 1.5%, a rent increase motivated by the rise in the reference interest rate is not admissible. On the other hand, if the rent is based on an even older rate of 1.75% or more, there is still a right to reduce the rent. In most cases, the lease or the most recent notice of rent adjustment provides information on the reference rate on which the current rent was based.
Other factors contributing to rent increases :
In addition to changes in the reference interest rate, other cost factors such as changes in the consumer price index (inflation) can play a role in setting rents. Inflation can be taken into account up to a maximum of 40%. In addition, changes in maintenance and operating costs can lead to rent adjustments. Where appropriate, this should be taken into account in the calculation.
Since September 10, 2008, rents throughout Switzerland have been set on the basis of a single reference mortgage rate. This has replaced the variable rates for new mortgages previously applicable in each canton. The legal basis is provided by art. 12a of the Ordinance on Rent and Lease of Residential and Commercial Premises (OBLF).
Source: Federal Housing Office
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