Home Insurance: Who Pays for Tenants in Sweden

As a tenant in Sweden, it is important to know who is responsible for costs when damage occurs in the home and what your home insurance covers. This guide simply explains the difference between the landlord's responsibility for the building and the tenant's responsibility for personal property, how to report a claim to your insurer and which situations can lead to disputes about who should pay. We also review when the Rent Tribunal may be relevant and which documents you should keep. The goal is to give practical advice so you can act quickly and reduce the risk of financial surprises.

What does home insurance cover for tenants?

Home insurance protects your personal belongings (personal property) against theft, fire and water damage and can also provide legal protection and liability cover in some cases. Building damage caused by the condition of the property is usually the landlord's responsibility under the Land Code (Chapter 12) and practice from the Rent Tribunal.^[1]

Who pays what?

• The landlord: usually responsible for structural faults, major leaks and heating if the problem is due to the building.
• The tenant: responsible for their own belongings and the deductible for a claim covered by home insurance.
• Shared situations: if responsibility is unclear, both the insurer and the landlord may be involved until liability is determined.

What affects who pays?

The assessment is based on cause and responsibility: if the damage is due to deficient maintenance of the building, it is often the landlord's responsibility, while sudden accidents to your own items are covered by your home insurance. If there is disagreement, you may need to apply for review at the Rent Tribunal.^[2]

Actions you can take

When damage occurs, follow these basic steps: document the damage with photos, contact your insurer and inform the landlord in writing. If the landlord does not remedy building defects, you can apply for review at the Rent Tribunal and ultimately seek assistance from the Enforcement Authority.^[2][3]

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I as a tenant need home insurance?

Home insurance is not always legally required but is strongly recommended because it covers your personal belongings and liability in case of damage.

Who pays if a water leak destroys my furniture?

If the leak is due to a building fault, the landlord may be responsible; otherwise your home insurance covers your furniture minus the deductible.

What do I do if the landlord refuses to pay for necessary repairs?

Contact the Rent Tribunal for review and keep all communication; if a decision must be enforced, the Enforcement Authority may become relevant.

How to

1. Document the damage: take clear photos and collect receipts and dates.
2. Inform parties: notify the landlord in writing and file a claim with your insurer.
3. Request written decision: request written notice of responsibility from the landlord and keep all correspondence.
4. If dispute remains, apply for review at the Rent Tribunal and follow their guidance.

Key takeaways

• Home insurance protects your belongings and can provide liability cover.
• The landlord often bears responsibility for building maintenance under law.
• Documentation and prompt reporting simplify claims handling.

Help and Support / Resources

• Riksdagen — Land Code (Chapter 12)
• Domstol.se — Rent Tribunal
• Enforcement Authority — Enforcement and debt collection

1. [1] Riksdagen — Jordabalken (12 kap.)
2. [2] Domstol.se — Hyresnämnden och ansökningar
3. [3] Kronofogden — Official authority for enforcement and collection