Landlord Maintenance Duties for Tenants in Sweden
As a tenant in Sweden, it is important to understand what is included in a landlord's maintenance duties. This guide simply explains which repairs and ongoing maintenance are usually the landlord's responsibility, what you as a tenant should do first when something breaks, and when you can take the matter to the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) or the Enforcement Authority (Kronofogden). We describe steps to document damage, how to write a clear fault report, and typical timeframes or deadlines. The text also covers the difference between minor repairs and major defects and how maintenance shortcomings can affect the standard of the dwelling. The goal is to give practical advice so you can get issues resolved quickly without unnecessary disputes.
What does the landlord's maintenance duty mean?
The landlord's maintenance duty means that the dwelling must be kept in a condition that makes it usable for its intended purpose. In practice, this is regulated in the Code of Statutes (Jordabalken, Chapter 12) which describes the requirements for standard and repairs[1]. Common topics are heating, water, sewage, electricity and building parts. If defects affect health or safety, measures are often prioritized.
What the landlord is responsible for
- Repair of heating, water and sewage (repair, water, heating).
- Fixed installations and building structure (maintenance, structure).
- Remediation of moisture and mold if caused by lack of maintenance (mold, repair).
- Maintenance of common areas and external protection (safety, compliance).
- Urgent defects that risk health or safety should be addressed quickly (urgent, time).
Minor wear and tear may in some cases be the tenant's responsibility according to the lease, but major and structural faults are usually the landlord's responsibility. If you are unsure, always start by reporting the fault in writing and request a schedule.
What you as a tenant should do
- Document the damage with photos and dates (document, evidence).
- Contact the landlord in writing and describe the fault clearly (contact, help).
- Keep all communication and receipts for any costs (form, filing).
- Follow up if nothing happens within a reasonable time and note reminder dates (time, within).
Frequently asked questions
- What should I do if the heating doesn't work?
- Report the fault to the landlord in writing, document the problem and state when the fault began. If nothing happens, contact the Rent Tribunal for advice and further action.
- Who pays for a broken stove not caused by the tenant?
- If the damage is not due to the tenant's use, the landlord normally pays for repair or replacement.
- How long does the landlord have to fix defects?
- The timeframe depends on the nature of the defect; urgent risks should be fixed promptly while minor defects may allow more time. Document and follow up in writing.
How to
- Report the fault in writing: call or write to the landlord and make a written fault report with date and description (contact, form).
- Document damages: take photos and save receipts for any costs (document, evidence).
- Request a schedule: ask for a written timetable for repairs and remind if no action is taken (form, submit).
- Contact the Rent Tribunal: if no solution is reached, consider contacting the Rent Tribunal for adjudication (court, hearing).
- Enforcement: for enforcement, the Enforcement Authority may be relevant to carry out decisions (court, enforcement).
Key takeaways
- Document and communicate in writing to strengthen your case in a dispute.
- Urgent defects affecting health or safety must be prioritized by the landlord.
- The Rent Tribunal can adjudicate disputes if you cannot reach an agreement.
Help and support / Resources
- Riksdagen - Legislation and legal texts
- Domstol.se - Rent Tribunal and forms
- Kronofogden - Enforcement and information
