Reference Rate September 2026: Stays at 1.25% — Deadlines for Tenants

On 1 September 2026 the Federal Office for Housing (BWO) published the mortgage reference rate: it remains at 1.25%, its lowest level since 2008. If your rent is still based on a higher rate, you are still entitled to a reduction — but you have to request it yourself.

The figures

• Reference rate: 1.25% (unchanged since 2 September 2025)
• Average interest rate on Swiss mortgage claims (as of 30 June 2026): 1.31%
• Next publication: 1 December 2026

Who is entitled to a reduction?

What counts is the rate your current rent is based on (lease or last adjustment). If it is above 1.25%, you can request a reduction: roughly 2.91% from 1.50%, 5.7% from 1.75% and 8.5% from 2.00%. The landlord may offset inflation and general cost increases.

Which deadline applies?

The reduction takes effect on the next termination date, never retroactively. Your request must reach the landlord before the notice period for that date begins. Example: termination date 31 March 2027 with 3 months' notice → the request must arrive by 31 December 2026. The termination dates are in your lease; otherwise the local customary dates apply.