Disturbances as Grounds for Eviction for Tenants in Sweden
As a tenant in Sweden, repeated disturbances or serious defects in your home can cause concern and may be used as grounds for eviction. This article explains what counts as disturbances, the landlord's obligations for maintenance and repairs, and what you as a tenant should do to protect your rights. You will get concrete advice on documentation, how to report problems to the landlord and when to seek help from the Rent Tribunal or Enforcement Authority. The text also describes deadlines, evidence requirements and practical steps to follow if the situation escalates, written in an easy-to-understand and supportive tone. We cover how to request repairs, which forms are available and how best to prepare evidence for a hearing.
What counts as disturbances?
Disturbances can be both behaviors by other residents and defects in the apartment's condition. The rules on rent and grounds for termination are in the Jordabalken (Chapter 12)[1]. Examples of common disturbances include:
- Repeated disruptive parties or loud noise that affects neighbors' living environment.
- Lack of heating or hot water (heating) that makes the home uninhabitable.
- Damp and mold (mold) that threatens health and safety.
- Threats, harassment or other safety issues between residents.
In most cases, tenants are entitled to basic standards of habitability.
How do you protect yourself?
Always start by documenting the problem clearly and contacting the landlord in writing. If the landlord does not fix the defect, you may need to seek further help or have the case reviewed by the Rent Tribunal.
- Document with photos, audio recordings and dated notes (evidence).
- Contact the landlord in writing and keep all communication.
- Send a formal complaint or defect report and request a written reply (notice).
- Keep receipts if you arrange temporary repairs yourself and request reimbursement if justified (payment).
Keep all messages and dates — details strengthen your case in proceedings.
When should you turn to the Rent Tribunal or another authority?
If the landlord does not remedy serious disturbances or defects, you can apply to the Rent Tribunal for the dispute to be adjudicated. The Rent Tribunal can decide whether the disturbances are significant enough to lead to termination or other measures.[2]
Respond to formal summons and meet deadlines to avoid losing the opportunity to have your case heard.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can disturbances lead to eviction?
- Yes. Repeated or serious disturbances can be grounds for eviction if they are considered material under law and practice.
- What should I do first when disturbances occur?
- Document, notify the landlord in writing and request action. If nothing happens, consider contacting the Rent Tribunal.
- When does the Enforcement Authority become relevant?
- The Enforcement Authority is mainly relevant for enforcement of decisions, for example if an eviction is to be carried out or in cases of unpaid claims.[3]
How to
- Gather evidence: photos, audio, dates and witness statements.
- Submit a written complaint to the landlord and keep a copy.
- If nothing happens, apply to the Rent Tribunal for adjudication.
- For enforcement or financial claims, contact the Enforcement Authority for information on process and next steps.
Key takeaways
- Always document early and thoroughly.
- The landlord has an obligation to maintain habitability.
- The Rent Tribunal can adjudicate disputes about eviction and disturbances.
Help and support
- Rent Tribunal — domstol.se
- Jordabalken (Chapter 12) — riksdagen.se
- Enforcement Authority — kronofogden.se
