Can a Landlord Check Service Charges in Sweden?
As a tenant it can be unclear when and how a landlord may check service charges for electricity, water, heating or internet. In Sweden both the lease agreement and rules in tenancy law affect what is allowed. This guide explains which details a landlord can normally request, how charging usually works, which documents you can demand to see and which authorities can help if you do not agree. You will also get advice on saving receipts, requesting itemised bills and the deadlines that may apply when disputing a charge. The goal is to give tenants in Sweden practical tools to understand charges and act if something seems wrong.
What can the landlord check?
The landlord can normally request information needed to calculate and allocate service charges according to the lease. This can include meter readings, contracts for shared subscriptions or invoices from suppliers. In some cases, costs must be specified in the contract or follow established practice under the law.[1]
Common types of service charges
- Electricity and shared metering.
- Water and sewage.
- Heating and heat supply.
- Internet and shared broadband subscriptions.
How charging of service costs works
Charging can be based on actual consumption or a flat rate. If charging is based on consumption, the landlord should be able to show supporting documents such as invoices or meter readings. If costs are allocated by a flat rate, the method must be reasonable and agreed in the lease or follow customary practice.
If you do not agree about a charge, the dispute can be examined by the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) or handled through dialogue between the parties. The Rent Tribunal offers guidance and decisions in tenancy disputes.[2]
What can you do as a tenant?
- Keep receipts and document your own consumption.
- Request itemised invoices and supporting documents in writing.
- Check the lease for rules on service charges.
- Contact the Rent Tribunal for guidance or to apply for a review if needed.[2]
When cases can proceed to enforcement
If a decision requires the tenant to pay and payment is not made, the case can be forwarded to the Swedish Enforcement Authority for collection. This applies to unpaid rent and any established costs not paid after a decision.[3]
Frequently asked questions
- Can the landlord enter the apartment to read meters?
- The landlord must normally give reasonable notice and have a legitimate reason to enter, and the right to read meters may be regulated in the lease agreement.
- Can the landlord charge for internet without my consent?
- If the cost for internet is included in the agreement or allocated by agreement, the landlord can charge, but the tenant can request to see the supporting documents.
- What deadlines apply to disputing a charge?
- There is no single standard deadline; disputes should be raised promptly and in writing, and contact the Rent Tribunal for review if a dispute arises.
How to
- Keep relevant documentation: receipts, invoices and meter readings.
- Request an itemised statement from the landlord and set a reasonable deadline for response.
- If unresolved, contact the Rent Tribunal for guidance or to apply for review.
- If a decision is not followed, the case may be sent to the Enforcement Authority for collection.
Key takeaways
- Always ask for written supporting documents for service charges.
- Save receipts and documentation to support your case.
- The Rent Tribunal can adjudicate disputes over charges.
Help and Support / Resources
- Rent Tribunal and court services at Domstol.se
- Legislation and the Swedish Code at Riksdagen
- Enforcement and collection at Kronofogden
