Sharing Tenants' Personal Data in Sweden

As a tenant in Sweden, it is important to understand when and why your personal data may be shared with third parties. This text explains in simple language what types of data can be disclosed, what rights you have under the GDPR and what requirements the landlord must meet before sharing information. You also get practical advice on how to limit sharing, what consent means and how to request access to your records. The information helps you act if you suspect data has been shared incorrectly or without basis. Examples include data shared with contractors for repairs, with financial services for rent payments or with authorities in disputes. Read on for concrete steps on how to request a records extract, object to unauthorized sharing and seek help from the Rent Tribunal or other authorities in Sweden.

What does sharing personal data mean?

Sharing personal data means the landlord gives information about you to another organization or person. This can include contact details, payment information or details about housing conditions. In Sweden, rental relationships are governed in part by the Code of Land (Jordabalken) and data protection rules in the GDPR regarding personal data ^[1].

When can data be shared?

• When needed for repairs and maintenance, for example when information must be given to contractors (repair).
• To manage rent payments, deposits or collection of unpaid amounts (rent).
• When a court or the Enforcement Authority requests information in connection with disputes or enforcement (court).
• For administrative purposes such as registration, form handling or archiving of agreements (form).

What the landlord must do before sharing

The landlord should have a lawful basis to share data: it may be contract, legal obligation or legitimate interest. In some cases, consent is required. The landlord must inform about the purpose of the processing and which recipients may receive the data.

What you can do

You have the right to request an extract, rectification or restriction of processing. If you suspect unauthorized sharing, first contact the landlord in writing and request an explanation. If that is not sufficient, you can turn to the supervisory authority or the Rent Tribunal ^[2].

How to

1. Gather evidence: save emails, messages and receipts that show what information was shared (document).
2. Contact the landlord in writing and request an explanation and copies of the processed data (contact).
3. If the information is not corrected or deleted, complete required forms and consider applying to the Rent Tribunal with relevant documentation (form).
4. For enforcement or collection matters, the case may proceed to the Enforcement Authority, which can request data from the landlord (court).

FAQ

Can the landlord share my email with a contractor?

Yes, if necessary to perform repairs and if the landlord has a lawful basis. You can ask what information was shared and why.

Does the landlord need my consent to share data?

In some cases consent is required, but there are often other lawful bases such as contract or legitimate interest that the landlord may rely on.

What do I do if data is shared without a valid basis?

First request an explanation in writing from the landlord. If you do not get a remedy you can report the matter to the supervisory authority or turn to the Rent Tribunal for review.

Help and support / Resources

• Rent Tribunal and court services
• Code of Land and statutes on Riksdagen
• Enforcement Authority - enforcement and collection

1. [1] Riksdagen - Jordabalken (1970:994) 12 kap.
2. [2] Domstol.se - Rent Tribunal and e‑services
3. [3] Kronofogden.se - Information on enforcement