Common Tenant Mistakes at the Rent Tribunal in Sweden
As a tenant in Sweden, cases at the Rent Tribunal can feel complicated, especially regarding maintenance and repair obligations. Many common mistakes involve insufficient documentation, failing to send a written notification to the landlord, or missing important deadlines. This guide explains in plain terms which errors frequently recur, what evidence matters most and how to prepare a clear case step by step. The information is practical and aimed at tenants without legal expertise who want to strengthen their position and avoid unnecessary rejections at the Rent Tribunal.
Common Errors
The following points describe the most common mistakes tenants make before submitting a case to the Rent Tribunal.
- Insufficient documentation of defects and damages, for example few or unclear photos.
- No written notification to the landlord or the notification lacks date and proof of receipt [1].
- Uncertainty about who is responsible for the repair according to the lease or the Code of Land (Jordabalken).
- Missing deadlines for remedies, appeals or responses before hearings.
- Poor chronology in evidence so events cannot be followed in the correct order.
How to Reduce the Risk of Rejection
Before you submit a case, follow these simple recommendations: document the problem carefully with date-stamped photos, always send a written notification to the landlord and keep receipts or repair estimates. Write a short timeline of events and note when the landlord responds. If possible, ask neighbors or witnesses for a written description of the problem.
FAQ
- When should I contact the Rent Tribunal?
- Contact the Rent Tribunal if you and the landlord cannot reach a solution after you have reported a defect in writing and waited a reasonable time. See information about applications and processes at the Court.[1]
- What types of evidence are most important?
- Date-stamped photos, written notifications, receipts, witness statements and correspondence are most useful because they show both the problem and what has been done to resolve it.
- What happens if I miss deadlines?
- If you miss important deadlines, you risk losing the opportunity for adjudication or enforcement, and in some cases the matter may proceed to the Enforcement Authority for collection or execution.[3]
How-To
- Collect evidence: take clear photos, note dates and gather receipts or estimates.
- Send a written notification to the landlord and request proof of receipt or keep delivery confirmation.
- Note and follow up on deadlines, such as how long you have waited for action.
- Complete the correct application form for the Rent Tribunal, for example HN1, and attach your evidence.[1]
- Prepare a short summary with the chronology and copies of all documents to bring to the hearing.
Help and Support / Resources
- Information about the Rent Tribunal — domstol.se
- Code of Land (Jordabalken) 12 chap. — riksdagen.se
- Enforcement and collection — kronofogden.se
