Key Handover for Tenants in Sweden
As a tenant in Sweden it is important to understand what happens during key handover and how meters work. This guide explains steps commonly included at move-in and move-out, who is responsible for reading electricity, water and heating meters, and what you should document. You get concrete advice on handing over keys, checking meter readings, and how to handle faults or lack of heating and water. The information is designed to help you prevent misunderstandings and handle disputes, with practical steps to contact the landlord, collect evidence and if needed turn to the Rent Tribunal[2] or the Enforcement Authority[3]. The text also explains how to save receipts and photos and what reasonable expectations of housing standards are.
What is included in a key handover?
During handover the following points are often checked so both you and the landlord have clear documentation and avoid misunderstandings.
- Document meter readings and take photos.
- Go through keys and locks together with the landlord.
- Check that electricity, heating and water work at handover.
- Sign a handover protocol or save confirmations.
Responsibility for meters and readings
Who is responsible for meters can depend on what is written in the tenancy agreement. The Swedish Code of Land Law (Jordabalken) Chapter 12 governs many basic obligations in tenancy relationships[1]. Often the landlord is responsible for installation and technical maintenance, while the tenant is responsible for readings and reporting faults.
- Check whether your rent includes heating or if measurement is billed separately.
- Document readings at move-in and move-out to avoid later disputes.
- Contact the landlord in writing if the meter seems faulty or shows unexpected values.
How to
- Check and document meter readings with photos at move-in.
- Request or create a handover protocol and keep a copy.
- Notify the landlord in writing about discrepancies or faults and request action.
- Keep receipts for costs related to meter service or repair.
- In case of disagreement: apply to the Rent Tribunal or seek advice to have the dispute heard.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I read meters at move-in?
- Take a photo of each meter reading and record the readings in the handover protocol so both you and the landlord have the same information.
- Who pays if a meter must be replaced?
- It depends on what is agreed and the reason for the replacement; technical maintenance usually falls to the landlord, but check your contract and document costs.
- What do I do if the landlord does not fix faults?
- Contact the landlord in writing, save documentation and consider taking the matter to the Rent Tribunal if you cannot reach a solution.
Help and support
- Domstol.se – information about the Rent Tribunal and e-services
- Kronofogden.se – about enforcement and debt collection
- Riksdagen.se – legislation, including the Swedish Code of Land Law Chapter 12
