Municipal inspection: tenant rights in Sweden
As a tenant in Sweden you may face a municipal inspection that checks the condition, health and safety of the dwelling. Inspections can concern damp, mold, ventilation or fire safety and often affect the right to a usable tenancy. This text explains what inspectors may and may not do in your home, which rights and obligations you have as a tenant, and how to document problems and request measures from the property owner. You will also get practical steps to file complaints, use the Rent Tribunal services and contact the municipal environmental or building office. The aim is to provide clear, useful guidance so you can act confidently and quickly. Always save receipts, photos and communications as evidence. If unsure, seek advice early.
What a municipal inspection involves
Municipal inspections often review the building's health and safety as well as suspected environmental issues such as damp or mold. Inspectors can take measurements, samples and document damage to assess risks and the need for measures according to applicable laws and guidelines.[1]
What the inspector may do
The inspector must normally give notice and act within the scope of their authority. In non-urgent cases, consent is normally required to enter your apartment, but inspectors can document and assess structural and environmental risks.
- Inspect common areas and your apartment with prior notice (inspect).
- Photograph and document damage such as damp or mold (evidence).
- Measure humidity or ventilation to assess health and comfort (repair).
- Request and record information, but they may not take personal documents without permission (notice).
Your rights as a tenant
As a tenant you have the right to a dwelling that meets basic health and safety requirements. If an inspection reveals deficiencies you can request that the landlord remedy them or request a rent reduction if the dwelling's usability is affected. In disputes the Rent Tribunal can adjudicate the matter.[2]
- Right to demand repairs that affect the dwelling's health and safety (repair).
- Right to rent reduction if the dwelling's condition reduces its usability (rent).
- Right to seek help from the Rent Tribunal for disputes (call).
How to document damp and mold
Documentation should be systematic: take photos, note times and conditions, and keep all communication with the landlord. Measurements and professional assessments may be needed for extensive damage.
- Take date-stamped photos from multiple angles and keep copies (evidence).
- Note smells, visible stains and when the problems started (notice).
- Keep receipts for expenses you incurred related to the damage (move-out).
What to do if the landlord does not act
If the landlord does not remedy defects after your complaint, send a written request and document delivery. If the failure continues you can turn to the Rent Tribunal for adjudication and in some cases to the Enforcement Authority for enforcement of decisions.[3]
- Send a written request for remedy and keep a copy with proof of receipt (notice).
- Report to the Rent Tribunal if you cannot reach an agreement (court).
- The Enforcement Authority may be relevant for enforcement or unpaid rent (call).
Frequently asked questions
- What can the municipality inspect?
- The municipality can check the building's health and safety and suspected environmental issues such as damp and mold.
- Do I have to let inspectors in?
- As a rule notice and your consent are required for inspection of your apartment, but exceptions may apply in emergencies.
- How long does a case at the Rent Tribunal take?
- Times vary, but prepare good documentation to speed up handling.
How to
- Document the damage with photos and a written description.
- Send a written complaint to the landlord and keep proof.
- Report to the Rent Tribunal if the matter is not resolved.
- Contact the municipal environmental or building office for serious health risks.
Key takeaways
- Documentation is crucial when dealing with damp and mold.
- The landlord is responsible for repairs affecting dwelling safety.
- The Rent Tribunal can adjudicate disputes between tenant and landlord.
Help and support / Resources
- Riksdagen – legislation and explanations
- Rent Tribunal and court services
- Enforcement Authority – enforcement and payment issues
