Rents: Good news on the horizon for tenants

Good news regarding purchasing power is rare these days, so let's take advantage of it. By the end of the year, economists agree that many tenants across the country will be able to get their rent reduced. Specifically, according to the Zurich Cantonal Bank, in an analysis published Thursday, 46% of tenants could have benefited from a reduction between the beginning of this year and the next.

Part of the rent depends on the reference interest rate calculated by the Federal Housing Office. In March of this year, it dropped from 1.75% to 1.5% , already giving some residents the right to reductions. Everything suggests that the rate will rise from 1.5% to 1.25% by the end of the year. The next decisions will be made in September and December.

But where did the Zurich Cantonal Bank get its magic figure of 46% from? Let's rewind. In 2023, the reference rate was increased twice, in June and December, from 1.25% to 1.75%. "Our analysis, based on data from the Federal Statistical Office, shows that after the second increase in 2023, around 40% of Swiss tenants received an increase," it writes. With the 6% who were affected after the first increase, this brings the total number of tenants in the country to almost half who will be able to reverse their rate this year.

Tenants should be reminded that the Holy Grail rarely falls from the sky on its own; that would be too easy. If the rate drops, you must write to your landlord by registered mail to request the reduction, which would then take effect as of the next contractual lease expiry date. Rest assured that "20 Minutes" will publish an article announcing the good news when it arrives, in September or December.