Legionella and Hot Water for Tenants in Sweden

As a tenant, questions about legionella in hot water can feel worrying. This text explains in plain language what legionella is, which temperature requirements and maintenance reduce risk, and what the landlord and you as a tenant are responsible for in Sweden. You receive practical advice on how to document problems, signs to look for and when to contact the landlord or authorities. The information helps you act quickly if contamination is suspected and shows the steps available to resolve the issue without needing legal expertise. The text also covers when it is reasonable to request testing, how measurements are usually done and what you can ask the landlord to ensure drinking water quality. With clear steps, you as a tenant in Sweden can protect your health and understand which rights apply when there are deficiencies in hot water supply.

What is legionella and why is hot water important?

Legionella is a bacterium that thrives in standing, lukewarm water and can spread via aerosol from showers or taps. High temperatures in hot water heaters and regular maintenance reduce the risk. In Sweden, tenancy and landlord responsibilities are governed by the Swedish Code of Statutes (Jordabalken), Chapter 12 (Tenancy), which guides what can be required of landlords and tenants^[1].

Common signs of a problem

• Standing lukewarm water at outlets (water).
• Uneven or too low hot water temperature (heat).
• Visible discoloration or sediment in the water (evidence).
• Health issues after water exposure or a suspected source (contact).

If you notice these signs, document the time, take photos and note which taps or showers are affected. Keep written communication with the landlord.

What the landlord and the tenant are responsible for

The landlord is generally responsible for technical maintenance of hot water heaters, heating systems and the building's water installations. The tenant should use the installations according to instructions and report deviations. In case of disagreement about responsibility, the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) can review disputes about maintenance and costs^[2].

How to act as a tenant

Follow these steps to reduce risk and get action:

1. Check and measure water temperature at the hot water tap (heat).
2. Document time, temperature, photos and any symptoms (evidence).
3. Contact the landlord in writing and request action or testing (contact).
4. Request a written response time and save all correspondence (form).
5. If no solution: consider contacting the Rent Tribunal or other authority for review (court).

Testing for legionella is performed by professionals and analyzed in a laboratory; as a tenant you can ask the landlord to initiate this if there are reasonable grounds. If the landlord does not act, you can apply for intervention via the Rent Tribunal or, as a last resort, seek legal review.^[2]

Frequently asked questions

Can I require the landlord to take legionella tests?

Yes, if there are reasons to suspect contamination you can request testing. The landlord is responsible for the building's installations and should take measures according to applicable rules. If you cannot agree, the Rent Tribunal can adjudicate the case.

What temperature reduces the risk of legionella?

Hot water should normally be kept at a temperature that does not favor legionella bacteria; property owners usually keep higher temperatures in water heaters and circulation systems to reduce risk.

What do I do if the landlord does not respond?

Save all documentation and written communication, contact the Rent Tribunal for advice and adjudication, and consider contacting the relevant authorities for assistance.

How to

1. Measure and note temperature and time at the suspected tap (heat).
2. Take photos and record observations (evidence).
3. Send a formal fault report to the landlord requesting action (contact).
4. Request testing in writing and ask for a schedule for remedies (form).
5. If nothing happens, contact the Rent Tribunal for guidance and possible adjudication (court).

Key takeaways

• Document issues immediately when you discover them.
• Communicate with the landlord in writing to create clear evidence.
• Seek professional testing if there is a real suspicion of legionella.

Help and Support / Resources

• Swedish Code of Statutes (Jordabalken) on Riksdagen.se
• Information about the Rent Tribunal on Domstol.se
• Kronofogden for enforcement and practical information

1. [1] Riksdagen - Jordabalken (1970:994), 12 kap. Tenancy
2. [2] Domstol.se - The Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) and services
3. [3] Kronofogden - Enforcement and practical information