Owner's Use: Guide for Tenants in Sweden
If your landlord says they need the apartment for personal use it is naturally worrying but you have rights as a tenant in Sweden. Read the notice carefully, check the reasons and deadlines and save all documentation, such as letters and emails. Security of tenure often applies, which means the landlord often must offer replacement housing or get a decision from the Rent Tribunal. If you are uncertain you can contact the Rent Tribunal or seek legal help. This guide explains step by step what owner's use means, how you respond, which deadlines apply and how to document the case to protect your rights. It is important to react quickly and not ignore a notice. With proper documentation you can often get help from the Rent Tribunal.
What does "owner's use" mean?
"Owner's use" means the landlord claims that they or a relative intend to live in the dwelling. The legislation that governs lease agreements and security of tenure is found in the Land Code (Jordabalken), chapter 12 (Tenancy).[1] This means the landlord must have substantive reasons and follow the formal legal requirements for the notice to be valid.
What you should do
- Read the notice carefully and note the final date (deadline).
- Save all documentation: letters, emails and photos as evidence (document).
- Write a formal response to the landlord where you object and request clarification (notice).
- Contact the Rent Tribunal if you want to dispute the notice or need a decision (court).
- Seek advice from legal aid or a tenant association if you are unsure (help).
Detailed documentation increases your chances in a dispute.
When can the landlord give notice for owner's use?
The landlord can give notice for owner's use if there are genuine reasons, for example that they or a relative need the dwelling for permanent residence. The Rent Tribunal often assesses whether the reasons are sufficient and whether security of tenure should affect the decision.[2] If the Rent Tribunal rules in favor of the landlord the notice can stand, but decisions can be appealed according to law.
Frequently asked questions
- Can the landlord evict me for owner's use?
- Yes, but the landlord must be able to show reasons and follow legal formalities; the Rent Tribunal can review whether the notice is valid.
- What deadlines apply?
- Notice periods depend on the lease terms and circumstances; check the last day in the notice and act quickly.
- What if I dispute the notice?
- You can apply for a review at the Rent Tribunal, collect evidence and submit a written objection before the deadline.
How to
- Read the notice carefully and mark the final date (deadline).
- Save letters, emails, photographs and the lease as evidence (document).
- Write a written objection to the landlord and request clarification (notice).
- Apply to the Rent Tribunal if you want them to review the notice (court).
- Collect supporting evidence: receipts, witness statements and time-stamped photos (evidence).
- Follow the Rent Tribunal's decision and in case of enforcement the Enforcement Authority may become relevant.
Respond within deadlines so you do not lose your rights.
Key takeaways
- Keep all communication and documentation as evidence.
- Always provide a written response when you object to a notice.
- The Rent Tribunal can decide whether a notice is valid.
