Payment Plan to Avoid Eviction for Tenants in Sweden

As a tenant in Sweden, the question of a payment plan can arise when you risk eviction due to unpaid rent. This guide explains what a payment plan is, when a landlord can propose it, the obligations and rights tenants and landlords have under the Land Code ^[1], and the steps you can take to request help or document your situation. We cover practical tips for communication, evidence collection and how the Rent Tribunal and Enforcement Authority may become involved. The aim is to provide clear and useful information to help you assess whether payment by installments is realistic and how to protect your rights. The text also covers practical timelines, documents you should save and how to seek support from authorities.

What is a payment plan?

A payment plan is an agreement between a tenant and a landlord where the debt for unpaid rent is divided into smaller installments. It is important to understand that a payment plan does not automatically stop an eviction process already initiated if the landlord has applied for eviction or received a decision in the Rent Tribunal or district court. Terms and validity vary, and there are situations where the landlord may have the right to demand payment or take legal action.

When can the landlord propose a payment plan?

The landlord can offer a payment plan as a solution to avoid proceeding with eviction, especially if the tenant shows willingness to settle the debt. If an application has already been submitted to the Rent Tribunal, the situation may become more formal and require the parties to inform the tribunal of an agreement. In some cases the Rent Tribunal can approve a settlement instead of an eviction decision, but legislation and practice from the Land Code govern the limits for such solutions ^[1].

What tenants should do

• Contact the landlord in writing and propose a payment plan (contact).
• Document unpaid rents, receipts and all communication (document).
• Keep rent statements, bank extracts and messages as evidence (document).
• Request a clear proposal with a timeline and dates for instalments (time).

Risks and conditions

Accepting a payment plan can mean you commit to new payment terms. If you later fail to follow the plan, the landlord may resume the eviction process. A payment plan does not always affect your rights to seek reconsideration or advice from authorities. Be careful to get everything in writing and document that both parties accepted the terms.

How to

1. Write a written proposal to the landlord stating amount, dates and how you will pay (form).
2. Collect all relevant documents: rent statements, bank extracts, receipts and messages (document).
3. If no agreement is reached, fill in and send HN1 or another application to the Rent Tribunal for review (form) ^[2].
4. If a decision includes a payment order or eviction, the Enforcement Authority may become involved for enforcement (hearing/payment) ^[3].

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a payment plan stop an already initiated eviction?

It depends on where in the process the case is and whether the landlord agrees. A written agreement can sometimes lead to processes being halted, but not always.

Which authorities can I contact for help?

The Rent Tribunal reviews disputes between tenant and landlord and the Enforcement Authority handles enforcement of decisions. For some matters specific forms like HN1 are used ^[2].

Should I always accept a payment plan?

Not necessarily. Consider whether the plan is realistic for your finances and get the terms in writing before you agree.

Key takeaways

• Always obtain a written agreement and keep a copy.
• Documentation increases the chance of resolving disputes without court.

Help and support

• Rent Tribunal (forms and guidance) – domstol.se
• Land Code (Chapter 12) – riksdagen.se
• Enforcement Authority (information) – kronofogden.se

1. [1] Riksdagen - Land Code (Chapter 12)
2. [2] Domstol.se - Rent Tribunal and forms (HN1)
3. [3] Enforcement Authority - Enforcement and information