Inflation adjustment: 40 per cent of the LIK increase
The Federal Statistical Office’s National Consumer Price Index (LIK) measures inflation. Landlords are permitted to pass on a portion of this to the rent: under Article 16 of the Swiss Residential Tenancies Act (VMWG), rent increases are deemed permissible provided they offset up to 40 per cent of the inflation on the risk-bearing capital.
Under the simplified relative method, 40 per cent of the LIK increase since the last rent assessment is therefore deducted from the reduction.
General cost increase
Under the relative method, the landlord may claim increased operating, maintenance and administrative costs (Art. 12 VMWG). In practice, these are often taken into account as a flat rate; by default, the calculator uses 0.5 per cent per year since the last rent review. You can adjust this figure in the calculator.
Sample calculation
A rent was set at a reference interest rate of 1.75 per cent; the current rate is 1.25 per cent. That represents two steps and thus a 5.74 per cent entitlement to a reduction. Since the rent was set four years ago, the LIK has risen by 5 per cent, of which 40 per cent is taken into account (2.00 per cent). Added to this is the flat-rate amount of 0.5 per cent multiplied by 4 years (2.00 per cent). This leaves a net figure of around 1.74 per cent, which, for a net rent of 2,000 francs, amounts to approximately 35 francs per month.
National Consumer Price Index (LIK)
| Month | Index |
|---|---|
| 10.2026 (last value) | 171.80 |
| December 2025 | 168.90 |
| December 2024 | 168.90 |
| December 2023 | 167.90 |
| December 2022 | 165.10 |
| December 2021 | 160.50 |
| December 2020 | 158.10 |
Apply for a rent reduction
Using the ‘Rent Reduction’ service, you can create your request for a rent reduction online. We will send it to your landlord via ‘A-Post Plus’ or registered post.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Federal Statistical Office’s National Consumer Price Index (LIK) measures price trends for a typical basket of goods purchased by private households in Switzerland.
The cost-of-living adjustment relates to the landlord’s risk-bearing capital. Article 16 of the VMWG permits up to 40 per cent of the rate of inflation for this purpose.
Yes. Under the advanced settings, you can adjust the flat-rate value as a percentage per year, for example if you expect costs to have risen by less than that.
More on the topic of rent
- Rent calculatorSwiss rent calculator: Calculate a rent reduction (2026)
- Swiss reference interest rateCurrent mortgage reference interest rate in Switzerland (BWO), history since 2008 and the rent reduction per quarter percentage point. With free calculator.
- Apply for a rent reductionApplying for a rent reduction in Switzerland: written request, deadlines, termination date and typical grounds for refusal under Art. 270a CO.
This page provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice. In individual cases, cost increases, investments or local and neighbourhood customs may lead to a different outcome.
By Kubilay Demirci, AboQuit.ch · Last reviewed:
Sources
- Obligationenrecht (OR), SR 220, insbesondere Art. 269a und Art. 270a
- Verordnung über die Miete und Pacht von Wohn- und Geschäftsräumen (VMWG), SR 221.213.11, insbesondere Art. 12, 12a, 13 und 16