Tenant: contest settlement and enforcement in Sweden
As a tenant in Sweden, you may sometimes find that a settlement or an enforcement affects your housing rights. This guide explains in plain language when and how you can contest a settlement or appeal an enforcement, which deadlines apply and what evidence is important. We cover processes such as the Rent Tribunal review, how the Enforcement Authority carries out decisions, and which steps you as a tenant should take to protect your rights. The material shows practical steps to gather documentation, submit applications and prepare for a possible hearing or court process in Sweden. The text also explains the difference between contesting an agreement and requesting suspension, and when it may be appropriate to seek legal advice or free assistance from tenant associations or legal aid.
What do settlement and enforcement mean?
A settlement is an agreement between the parties to end a dispute without a judgment. Enforcement means actions that carry out a decision, such as eviction or collection. The rules that govern tenancy relationships and when a decision can be enforced are in the Land Code (Chapter 12) and related regulations.[1]
When can you contest or appeal?
You may consider contesting a settlement or requesting suspension of enforcement if there are formal errors, incorrect information, coercion, incorrect deductions or if decisions contradict tenancy law. Also pay attention to deadlines: if you miss acting you may lose the opportunity for review.
- Incorrect notice of termination or eviction that you want to challenge.
- Collection claims or enforcement where the amount is incorrect.
- Alleged damage or deductions you consider unfair.
- A settlement you signed under duress or without correct information.
Practical steps and documentation
Before you send an appeal, gather all relevant documentation: tenancy agreement, receipts, communication with the landlord, photos and any witness statements. Document dates, times and what was said in writing to strengthen your case.
- Tenancy agreement and additional agreements.
- Receipts for rent, repairs or deposits.
- Photographs and written communication with the landlord.
- Any witness statements or logs.
Rent Tribunal and enforcement by the Enforcement Authority
In disputes you typically apply to the Rent Tribunal for review or appeal; the Rent Tribunal is handled via the courts' e-services.[2] If a decision becomes final, the Enforcement Authority can carry out enforcement, such as eviction or seizure.[3]
If enforcement is underway, contact the Enforcement Authority to get information about what applies and whether there is a possibility of postponement or other measures. In some cases the Rent Tribunal or court can consider a request for suspension until the dispute is resolved.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I contest a settlement I signed?
- Yes, in certain circumstances you can request invalidation or appeal if there are errors, coercion or other circumstances that affected the validity of the agreement.
- What happens if the Enforcement Authority comes for enforcement?
- The Enforcement Authority can carry out eviction or collection according to the decision. Contact the Enforcement Authority immediately for information and check if there is a possibility of postponement or appeal.
- Do I need legal help?
- It can be valuable in complex cases; many tenant associations and legal aid organizations can offer advice.
How to
- Check the decision and all deadlines carefully.
- Gather evidence: receipts, photos, messages and witness statements.
- Submit the application or appeal to the Rent Tribunal via domstol.se and attach evidence.
- If enforcement is ongoing, contact the Enforcement Authority for information about possible actions.
Help and support / Resources
- Domstol.se — information about the Rent Tribunal and forms
- Kronofogden.se — enforcement and collection
- Riksdagen.se — Land Code Chapter 12 (rent)
