Rent Tribunal Guide for Tenants in Sweden

As a tenant in Sweden, questions about maintenance and repairs can sometimes lead to a dispute with the landlord. This guide explains how a case before the Rent Tribunal usually proceeds, which documents and evidence are important, and how you can prepare your application or respond to claims. We also describe timelines, which forms are used and what happens at negotiations or an oral hearing. The information is based on the law and practical steps for tenants who want to have housing standard issues fixed or contest a dispute about costs and responsibility, so you can act confidently and correctly in Sweden.

What is the Rent Tribunal?

The Rent Tribunal is a specialized court for disputes between tenants and landlords. It adjudicates questions about rent, termination and maintenance responsibilities under the Land Code (Jordabalken), Chapter 12^[1] and handles applications and hearings that often require specific forms and e-services on domstol.se^[2].

When should you contact the Rent Tribunal?

Contact the Rent Tribunal when you cannot agree with your landlord about necessary maintenance, repairs affecting habitability, or if the landlord demands payment you consider incorrect. If a decision needs enforcement, the Swedish Enforcement Authority (Kronofogden) may become relevant^[3].

What is needed in a case?

Gather documents that show the problem, communications with the landlord and any costs. Common documents include:

• Application or response (use form HN1 if applicable).
• Photos, videos and written repair reports that document the damage.
• Receipts and invoices for repairs or purchases you made.
• Notes about dates, times and any deadlines.

How the process works

The process starts when you submit an application or response to the Rent Tribunal. The tribunal identifies the parties, requests documents and may offer mediation or call for an oral hearing. During the hearing both parties can present evidence and witness statements. A decision is issued in writing and can in some cases be appealed under normal legal procedures^[1].

If a party does not comply with a decision, enforcement can proceed via the Swedish Enforcement Authority, which is a separate process for collection and coercive measures^[3].

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Rent Tribunal charge a fee to hear my case?

In many cases there is no specific application fee for private individuals, but check current information and procedures on domstol.se^[2].

How long can a case take?

The time varies depending on the complexity and whether mediation is offered; cases can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

Do I need a lawyer or legal representation?

You can represent yourself, but in more complex matters legal advice can be helpful. Free advice is sometimes available via tenant associations and legal aid services.

How to

1. Collect evidence: photos, messages, repair reports and receipts.
2. Notify the landlord in writing and request action with a clear deadline.
3. Complete necessary forms, such as HN1, and attach documentation.
4. Submit the application to the Rent Tribunal and note any response times.
5. Prepare for the hearing by organizing copies, witnesses and a chronology.
6. Keep all decisions and documents for possible enforcement or appeal.

Key takeaways

• Documentation is essential to support your case.
• Communicate in writing and set reasonable deadlines with the landlord.
• Use official forms and check updated information on domstol.se.

Help and Support

• Domstol.se – Rent Tribunal and forms
• Riksdagen.se – Land Code (Chapter 12)
• Kronofogden.se – Enforcement and collection

1. [1] Riksdagen.se – Jordabalken (Chapter 12)
2. [2] Domstol.se – Forms and e-services
3. [3] Kronofogden.se – Enforcement and collection