Summary

Mediation authorities in rental and lease law recorded 19,240 new proceedings nationwide in the second half of 2025, an increase of 1,482 cases compared to the first half. The authorities completed 17,328 proceedings, with ordinary contract terminations accounting for the largest share. The settlement rate was 57.9 percent. Despite the upward trend, the 2025 annual figure remained 5,426 proceedings below the previous year 2024. In 16 cantons, new filings increased, while they decreased in ten. At the end of 2025, 12,219 open cases remained, an increase of 22.1 percent.

Persons

  • (no persons named)

Topics

  • Rental and lease law
  • Mediation proceedings
  • Civil disputes
  • Swiss legal system

Clarus Lead

The statistics signal a normalization following the record year 2024, but simultaneously reveal a growing backlog burden: With 22.1 percent more open cases at year-end, mediation authorities face the threat of being overwhelmed. Particularly noteworthy is the sharp decline in rent increase disputes by 42.91 percent – possibly an indicator of stagnating rental prices – while rent reduction proceedings increased by 76.36 percent. This shift suggests changing economic conditions in the housing market. For tenants and landlords, the high settlement rate of nearly 58 percent is a positive signal for out-of-court solutions.

Detailed Summary

Mediation authorities completed a total of 17,328 proceedings in the second half of 2025. Of these, 10,029 cases (57.9 percent) resulted in settlement through agreement, claim acknowledgment, or claim withdrawal. In 2,453 cases (14.2 percent), no settlement could be reached, resulting in the issuance of a permission to sue. A further 3,979 proceedings (23.0 percent) were concluded through withdrawal, non-admission, or referral. 134 cases were conducted as mediation proceedings (cantons of Fribourg, Thurgau, Schaffhausen).

Regarding the subjects of dispute, ordinary contract terminations dominated with 2,561 cases (14.78 percent). Payment claims followed with 2,023 proceedings (11.67 percent). Rent increase disputes, which were still leading in the first half, declined by 42.91 percent and now rank third. By contrast, rent reduction proceedings increased from 4.23 to 7.46 percent – an increase of 76.36 percent. The cantons of Geneva, Vaud, and Zurich concentrated 85.22 percent of all disputes regarding initial rent levels. Mediation authorities consist of an independent chairperson and equal representation of tenants and landlords and follow Swiss civil procedure law.

Key Findings

  • Growing backlog: 12,219 open cases at year-end (+22.1 percent) indicate capacity problems
  • Market shift: Rent reductions rising sharply, while increase disputes declining significantly
  • High settlement rate: 57.9 percent of proceedings are resolved out of court

Critical Questions

  1. Evidence: Are the 12,219 pending cases at the end of 2025 normal compared to historical values, or do they signal structural overload of mediation authorities?

  2. Data Quality: How consistently are mediation proceedings recorded across the 26 cantons, particularly given the varying rates of change (16 cantons with increases, 10 with decreases)?

  3. Causality: Is the 76 percent increase in rent reduction proceedings explained by economic factors (inflation, interest rates) or by changed legal advice and counseling?

  4. Conflicts of Interest: Does the equal composition of mediation authorities (tenants/landlords) actually ensure neutrality, or do systematic biases in favor of one party emerge?

  5. Implementation: How many of the 10,029 settlements are actually implemented, and is there data on recurrence rates for already resolved disputes?

  6. Alternatives: What role do alternative dispute resolution mechanisms (e.g., private mediation) play outside official mediation?

Source Directory

Primary Source: Mediation Statistics Rental and Lease Law H2 2025 – Federal Office of Housing (FOH), 12.05.2026

Supplementary Sources:

Verification Status: ✓ 12.05.2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-check: 12.05.2026