Required Documents for Tenants in Sweden

As a tenant in Sweden, it is important to have the right documents ready when you apply for an apartment, request a rent adjustment or need to report maintenance issues. This guide explains which documents are most often requested, why they are needed and how you can collect them securely. We cover ID documents, rental agreements, proof of income, references and documentation of damage or defects. You will also get practical advice on how to submit documents to the landlord or the Rent Tribunal and which photos and receipts strengthen your case. The text also explains applicable deadlines and when you should seek legal advice or contact authorities.

Which documents are required

Several types of documents are commonly requested when you apply for housing or need to prove a maintenance issue. Collect the following documents and make copies for your own records.

• Copy of valid ID document (document).
• Current rental agreement or rent statements (rent).
• Proof of income or pay slips (payment).
• References and contact information for previous landlords or employers (contact).
• Photos and descriptions of damage or defects (photo, evidence).

How documents are used

Documents show your identity, financial stability and what actually happened in the dwelling. For maintenance issues, photos and dated receipts are often decisive. In Sweden, tenancy law is regulated in the Code of Land (Jordabalken), chapter 12.^[1] If you cannot agree, the Rent Tribunal can accept applications and make decisions.^[2]

When submitting material to a landlord or authority, attach a short explanation with dates and names of the people you contacted. Keep originals safe and provide copies when needed.

What documentation should contain

• Date and location for each photo or note (evidence).
• Receipts for repairs or purchases of materials (form, payment).
• Written communication with the landlord, such as emails or messages (document).

What to do in disagreements

First, try to resolve the issue directly with the landlord. If that fails, you can apply to the Rent Tribunal or seek advice. For enforcement, the Swedish Enforcement Authority (Kronofogden) is used for decisions requiring collection or eviction.^[3]

Frequently Asked Questions

Which copies should I provide?

Always provide copies of ID, the rental agreement, proof of income and receipts; keep the originals at home.

Can I document damage with phone photos?

Yes. Timestamped photos with short explanations are valuable evidence for maintenance cases.

What if the landlord does not respond?

If communication does not lead anywhere, you can contact the Rent Tribunal for review or advice.

How to

1. Contact the landlord in writing and describe the problem with documentation (form).
2. Collect photographs, receipts and correspondence as evidence (photo, evidence).
3. Complete any forms for an application to the Rent Tribunal and submit supporting documents (form).
4. Wait for a decision from the Rent Tribunal or seek further advice if the decision is appealed (court).

Key takeaways

• Document everything continuously to strengthen your position.
• Observe deadlines to avoid losing the right to act.

Help and support

• Rent Tribunal via Domstol.se
• Riksdagen - statutes and preparatory works
• Kronofogden - enforcement and collection

1. [1] Riksdagen — Code of Land (Jordabalken), chapter 12
2. [2] Domstol.se — Rent Tribunal and e-services
3. [3] Kronofogden.se — Enforcement and collection