Settlement and Enforcement for Tenants in Sweden

What is settlement and enforcement?

A settlement is a voluntary agreement between tenant and landlord to resolve a dispute without a court decision. Enforcement means that a decision or agreement is carried out with the help of an authority or enforcement measures, often after review by the Rent Tribunal or through another decision.^[1]

When can you act as a tenant?

If maintenance or repairs are neglected, you should first communicate in writing with the landlord and document the problem. Then follow these steps to strengthen your position and prepare a possible application to the Rent Tribunal or a request for enforcement.

• Contact the landlord in writing and describe the deficiency.
• Document damage or faults with photos, dates and notes.
• Request repairs in writing and set a reasonable deadline.
• Apply to the Rent Tribunal if you cannot reach a settlement and need review or mediation.
• Contact the Swedish Enforcement Authority (Kronofogden) for information about enforcement if a decision needs to be carried out.^[2]

Documentation and evidence

Good documentation is often decisive. Keep all messages, receipts and photographs in clear order so you can show what happened and when.

• Take dated photographs with descriptions.
• Keep receipts for purchases or costs related to repairs.
• Keep copies of all letters, emails and notifications.

Key points

• Always communicate in writing to create traceability.
• Document problems carefully with dates and photos.
• Seek help from the Rent Tribunal if you cannot reach a settlement.

FAQ

What is a settlement?

A settlement is a voluntary agreement between tenant and landlord to resolve a dispute without a court decision.

When should I contact the Rent Tribunal?

If you and the landlord cannot agree, the Rent Tribunal can review the dispute and offer mediation or a decision.

What do I do if the landlord does not perform necessary repairs?

Request repairs in writing, document the deficiency and consider applying to the Rent Tribunal for review.

How to

1. Write down the problem, dates and how it affects your housing.
2. Take photos and save all communication with the landlord.
3. Request written repairs and state a reasonable deadline.
4. Apply to the Rent Tribunal if you do not reach a settlement.
5. If necessary, contact the Swedish Enforcement Authority for information about enforcement.^[3]

Help and support / Resources

• Rent Tribunal on domstol.se
• Swedish Enforcement Authority - kronofogden.se
• Jordabalken (1970:994) on riksdagen.se

1. [1] Riksdagen.se
2. [2] Domstol.se
3. [3] Kronofogden.se