Minimum Apartment Condition for Tenants in Sweden

As a tenant in Sweden you have the right to a home that meets basic health and safety standards. This guide explains what is meant by minimum apartment condition, which problems count as defects (for example damp and mold), and what you as a tenant can do to request remedies from the landlord or seek support from the Rent Tribunal and other authorities. The text describes steps for documentation, when you may withhold rent or request a reduction, and how to proceed in case of serious deficiencies. The language is simple and practical to help you act confidently and lawfully. Please contact early to solve problems quickly.

What counts as a defect?

A defect is a deficiency that makes the dwelling unsafe or unhealthy, such as extensive damp, visible mold, insufficient heating or leaking water. In some cases specific rules apply in the Land Code, Chapter 12 on rent regarding landlords' obligations for the condition of the dwelling ^[3].

• Damp or visible mold (repair) affecting indoor environment.
• Insufficient heating or hot water (repair) making the dwelling uninhabitable during parts of the year.
• Faulty ventilation or odor problems (repair) that may affect health.

Tenant rights

As a tenant you can demand that the landlord remedies defects. If the landlord does not act you can turn to the Rent Tribunal for dispute resolution or advice ^[1]. There may also be possibilities for rent reduction if the defect affects the use of the dwelling.

• Withhold rent or request rent reduction (rent) during an ongoing defect investigation.
• Document damage and communications with the landlord (evidence) to support your claim.
• Report the issue in writing to the landlord and keep copies (form).

What you can do

Follow a clear process to increase the chance that the defect is remedied quickly and correctly. In many cases clear documentation and written communication help to reach a fast solution. For larger or disputed cases, the Rent Tribunal and ultimately the Enforcement Authority may become relevant ^[2].

• Document the problem with dates, photos and video (evidence).
• Send a written defect report to the landlord and request remedy within a reasonable time (form).
• Contact the landlord or property manager to follow up and seek advice if needed (contact).
• If nothing happens, apply to the Rent Tribunal or seek legal advice (court).

FAQ

Who pays for repairs?

The landlord normally bears responsibility for remedies related to the dwelling's condition, but the allocation of responsibility can vary depending on the agreement and cause of the damage.

How long does the landlord have to fix a defect?

Timeframes depend on the nature of the defect; urgent deficiencies should be addressed quickly while minor defects may have longer reasonable time. Always document waiting time.

Can I reduce the rent if defects exist?

Yes, a rent reduction can be requested if the use value is reduced. If you do not agree, the Rent Tribunal can try the claim.

How to

1. Document the problem with photos and writing and note dates (evidence).
2. Send a written defect report to the landlord and request remedy (form).
3. Follow up by phone or email and keep all communication (contact).
4. If nothing happens, apply to the Rent Tribunal or seek legal advice (court).

Help and Support / Resources

• Rent Tribunal via domstol.se
• Swedish Enforcement Authority (Kronofogden)
• Parliament: legislation and the Land Code

1. [1] Hyresnämnden via domstol.se
2. [2] Kronofogden
3. [3] Riksdagen