Owner's Use: What Tenants in Sweden Need to Know
As a tenant in Sweden, a notice that the landlord wants the home for owners use can cause worry and questions. This text clearly explains the rights you have under the Swedish Land Code, what owners use means, how tenancy protection affects your position and which deadlines and documents matter. We outline step by step how to respond to a termination, collect evidence, contact the Rent Tribunal and what options exist for compensation or relocation. The language is simple and practical so you can quickly take the next step and know when to seek legal help or government support in Sweden.
What does "owner's use" mean?
Owners use means the landlord needs the apartment for their own residence or for a close relative. The right to terminate for this reason is regulated by the Swedish Land Code, chapter 12, and is often decided by the Rent Tribunal.[1]
The Rent Tribunal often assesses whether the need is real and reasonable.
When can the landlord terminate?
Termination for owners use requires that the landlord can show a concrete need and that tenancy protection has been considered. A vague or unspecified reason is rarely accepted without clear justification and documentation.
What you should do first
- Note the termination date and final deadline.
- Save all communication, agreements, receipts and photos as evidence.
- Document damage or ongoing renovations with photos and dates.
- Contact the Rent Tribunal or legal advice for early guidance.[2]
Keep emails and texts as evidence for later disputes.
If the termination seems unfair, the Rent Tribunal can review both the necessity of the landlords need and whether tenancy protection should remain. Remember to respond on time and gather your documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is tenancy protection?
- Tenancy protection means the tenant generally has the right to remain as long as the lease continues, and terminations are carefully reviewed by the Rent Tribunal.
- Can the landlord evict me just to renovate?
- No, minor renovations normally do not justify termination for owners use; termination requires a real need or reconstruction that makes the dwelling unusable for a long period.
- How long do I have to appeal?
- Deadlines vary depending on the notice and situation; contact the Rent Tribunal directly to get current information about deadlines and forms.
How to
- Read the termination notice carefully and note all dates.
- Collect evidence: photos, texts, receipts and the lease.
- Submit an application to the Rent Tribunal (HN1) with copies of evidence.
- Attend the hearing or provide a power of attorney to a representative.
- In case of eviction, contact the Enforcement Authority for information about enforcement.[3]
Being prepared with documents increases your chances at the Rent Tribunal.
Key takeaways
- Keep all documents and evidence from day one.
- Contact the Rent Tribunal or legal advice early.
- Respect all deadlines for responses and submissions.
Help and Support / Resources
- Rent Tribunal and forms (HN1) — domstol.se
- Swedish Land Code, Chapter 12 — riksdagen.se
- Enforcement Authority: eviction and enforcement information — kronofogden.se
