Collective Agreements and Tenants' Rights in Sweden

As a tenant in Sweden it is important to understand what rights and obligations apply when a landlord refers to collective agreements or other contracts. This guide explains in simple terms what a collective agreement means for your tenancy agreement, how it affects subletting and roommates, and what you can demand regarding repairs, termination and entry into the home. You get concrete steps to document problems, contact the Rent Tribunal and know when the Enforcement Authority may become involved. The aim is to give you confidence in practical situations without complicated legal terminology. The text also describes how to request necessary documents from the landlord and what to do if the landlord breaches the agreement. It is aimed at ordinary tenants, including those who sublet or share housing with roommates.

What does a collective agreement mean for the tenant?

A collective agreement is usually an agreement between an employer and trade unions that regulates employment terms. When a landlord refers to a collective agreement it is often about internal routines for staff or property management, not about changing your fundamental tenancy rights under the law.^[1]

What can the landlord require?

The landlord can require that rent is paid on time and that you behave according to the tenancy agreement. The landlord also has a responsibility to ensure the dwelling is in a usable condition under the Land Code and may require access in certain situations, but always with respect for your privacy and with reasonable notice when required.

• Payment of rent according to the agreement.
• Maintenance and repairs for which the landlord is responsible.
• Access for necessary inspections or repairs, with reasonable notice.
• Compliance with rules on subletting if required in the tenancy agreement.

Subletting and roommates

If you want to sublet or have a roommate you usually need the landlord's permission according to the tenancy agreement and the law. If the landlord refuses without valid reason you can apply to the Rent Tribunal for review or exemption.^[2]

How to act when problems arise

When problems occur: document, communicate in writing, and act in the correct order. If the landlord does not fix defects you can apply to the Rent Tribunal for review; if a decision is not followed up, enforcement can be carried out via the Enforcement Authority.^[2][3]

1. Document the issue with photos, dates and receipts.
2. Notify the landlord in writing and set a reasonable deadline for action.
3. If no solution is reached, apply to the Rent Tribunal with your documentation.
4. Follow up decisions and, if necessary, request enforcement from the Enforcement Authority.

FAQ

Can a landlord force me to accept a collective agreement?

No, you cannot be forced to personally accept a collective agreement; collective agreements normally regulate employment terms and do not directly affect your rights as a tenant.

What do I do if the landlord does not repair urgent faults?

Contact the landlord in writing, document the problem and apply to the Rent Tribunal if nothing is done.

Do I need the landlord's permission for a roommate?

It depends on the tenancy agreement; many agreements require consent and the Rent Tribunal can review disputes.

How-To

1. Gather evidence: photos, messages and receipts.
2. Contact the landlord in writing and request action within a clear timeframe.
3. Apply to the Rent Tribunal with your documentation if you cannot reach a solution.
4. If a decision is not followed up, request enforcement from the Enforcement Authority.

Help and Support / Resources

• Rent Tribunal - domstol.se
• Land Code (Chapter 12) - riksdagen.se
• Enforcement Authority - kronofogden.se

1. [1] Riksdagen: Jordabalken (1970:994), 12 kap.
2. [2] Domstol.se: Hyresnämnden
3. [3] Kronofogden: Enforcement and information