Emergency Debt Help for Tenants in Sweden
As a tenant, debts can cause great stress, especially if rent risks remaining unpaid or eviction is threatened. This article explains what emergency support options exist in Sweden, which authorities can help and what steps you can take to protect your home. We cover how to document financial difficulties, which contacts can provide advice and when it is necessary to apply for debt counseling or contact the Enforcement Authority (Kronofogden)[2]. The text also explains how the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden)[1] may become relevant in disputes and gives practical advice for conversations with your landlord and which documents are important to keep.
What is emergency support for debts?
Emergency support can include municipal debt counseling, payment plans with the landlord or in some cases legal actions. Rules about rent and eviction are found in Chapter 12 of the Land Code (Jordabalken) which governs the relationship between tenant and landlord.[3] Which measure fits depends on your situation and how quickly you act.
Act quickly
- Contact the municipal budget and debt counseling service for advice.
- Inform your landlord in writing about your situation and propose a repayment plan.
- Prioritize necessary payments and check eligibility for housing allowance or other support.
What you need to document
Documentation increases the chance of getting help. Keep proof of income, expenses, communication and any warnings from the landlord.
- Keep rent invoices and bank statements that show unpaid amounts.
- Retain copies of emails and letters from the landlord.
- Photograph damage or other conditions that affect the housing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can the landlord evict me quickly if I have debts?
- An eviction process usually requires a legal decision and some notice; seek advice and explore options for repayment or support.
- Who can I contact for debt counseling?
- The municipal budget and debt counseling service, charitable organizations and in some cases lawyers can help. The Enforcement Authority (Kronofogden) can also provide information about enforcement.
- When should I turn to the Rent Tribunal?
- If you and the landlord cannot agree on a repayment plan or there is a dispute about rental terms, the Rent Tribunal can hear the case.
How to
- Contact the municipal budget and debt counseling service for initial support.
- Document payment difficulties: collect invoices, bank statements and receipts as evidence.
- Inform the landlord in writing and propose a repayment plan for the rent.
- Seek formal debt counseling or apply for review via the Enforcement Authority or contact the Rent Tribunal in case of dispute.
Key takeaways
- Act quickly and seek advice to avoid eviction.
- Document all payments and communications carefully.
- Use municipal resources and authorities for support.
Help and support
- Rent Tribunal on Domstol.se
- Enforcement Authority – information on enforcement
- Land Code (Chapter 12) on Riksdagen.se
