Mold and Damp for Renters in Sweden
As a renter in Sweden you can be affected by mold and damp in your home both physically and financially. This article explains the most common health risks, how to document problems, what counts as acceptable living standards, and the steps you can take to get repairs from your landlord. You will get concrete advice on when to request repairs, when it may be appropriate to contact the rent tribunal or health authorities, and how to protect evidence. The language is easy to understand and focused on practical actions for renters who need quick help and clear instructions. The text also describes reasonable measures to reduce risks in the home.
What are mold and damp?
Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp environments and can appear as stains or discoloration. Damp problems can be caused by leaks, poor ventilation or condensation. Long-term damp can damage building materials and affect indoor air quality.
Health risks
Mold and damp damage can cause different symptoms depending on exposure and sensitivity. Common problems are airway irritation, coughing, allergic reactions and worsened asthma. Certain groups such as children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are more sensitive.
- Breathing difficulties, coughing and mucous membrane irritation.
- Allergic reactions like itchy eyes and nasal congestion.
- Worsened asthma or chronic respiratory conditions.
What can the renter do?
As a renter you should first report the problem to the landlord in writing and request that repairs are made within a reasonable time. If the landlord does not respond or does not fix the issue, you can document it and take the next step by contacting the rent tribunal.
- Make a written fault report to the landlord and keep a copy.
- Request a clear schedule for repairs and remedial actions.
- Document damage with photos, dates and descriptions.
- Keep receipts for any costs you had for temporary measures.
Documentation and evidence
Good documentation is often decisive. Take multiple photos from different angles, write dates and times, and keep a simple log of smells, visibility and symptoms. Do not limit documentation to a single photo; update when the situation changes.
- Photos with timestamps and short notes about where the photo was taken.
- Logbook of symptoms and how often problems occur.
- Receipts and communication with the landlord kept as evidence.
When to contact authorities
If the landlord does not take action, the rent tribunal can review the case under the Swedish Land Code, Chapter 12, which governs rent and housing standards [1]. For formal applications and forms use the rent tribunal services on domstol.se [2]. If enforcement or collection of a decision is needed, the Enforcement Authority (Kronofogden) may be involved [3].
Frequently asked questions
- Can I withhold rent if the landlord does not fix mold?
- Withholding rent can be risky without legal grounds; contact the rent tribunal for advice before you act.
- Who pays for mold remediation?
- If the mold is due to defects in the dwelling, the landlord is normally responsible, but liability can vary based on cause.
- When should I contact the rent tribunal?
- Contact the rent tribunal if the landlord does not address serious damp damage or if you cannot agree on measures or rent reduction.
How-To
- Document the damage with multiple photos, dates and brief descriptions.
- Send a written fault report to the landlord and keep a copy.
- Request a reasonable timeline for when repairs will be completed.
- Contact the rent tribunal if the landlord does not act and submit your documentation.
Help and Support
- [1] Riksdagen — Land Code (Chapter 12, Rent)
- [2] Domstol.se — Rent Tribunal and forms (HN1)
- [3] Enforcement Authority — Enforcement and collections
