Tenant Deadlines for Illness in Sweden

Tenant rights & basic protections 3 min read · published September 11, 2025
As a tenant in Sweden, illness or pregnancy can affect your ability to meet deadlines, move, or handle demands from your landlord. This text explains common deadlines, what protections may exist in tenancy law, and steps you can take to preserve your rights when dealing with landlords and authorities. We cover how to document illness, when to notify in writing, and how the Rent Tribunal and the Enforcement Authority may become involved. The information is written for non-lawyers who want clear advice on protecting their housing situation during a difficult period. Read on for specific deadlines and practical actions.

What applies

Most tenancy issues and deadlines are regulated in the Swedish Code of Land (Jordabalken) chapter 12, which governs rental agreements and the parties' obligations [1]. If you need exceptions or interpretation, the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) can examine matters regarding termination, leases and security of tenure [2]. If a decision must be enforced, the Enforcement Authority (Kronofogden) may become relevant for eviction or collection [3].

Important deadlines

  • Report defects or illness-related impact to the landlord in writing as soon as possible.
  • Request an extension or postponement if you cannot move within the stated termination period.
  • Respond to demands and terminations within the deadlines the landlord sets to avoid losing rights.
  • Keep receipts, messages and medical certificates as evidence of your situation.
Keep all medical certificates and messages in writing.

What you should do now

Document your illness or pregnancy clearly: dates, how it affects your ability to move or pay rent, and attach medical certificates if possible. Always send a written notification to the landlord and ask for confirmation by email or registered mail.

If the landlord terminates the lease due to lack of cooperation or unpaid rent, you can request a review from the Rent Tribunal. In some cases, illness or pregnancy can result in extra time to arrange housing or a termination being judged unreasonable.

If you do not respond to demands you may lose rights or face enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get more time to move because of illness?
It may be possible to receive postponement or review via the Rent Tribunal if the illness makes it impossible to move within the ordinary time.
Do I have to show a medical certificate to get protection?
A medical certificate strengthens your case but is not always a formal requirement; documentation is important to show real impact on your ability to meet deadlines.
What happens if I ignore a termination?
If you do not contest or comply with a decision the landlord can proceed with enforcement through the Enforcement Authority, which can lead to eviction.

How to proceed

  1. Write down the situation: dates, symptom descriptions and how it affects moving or payment.
  2. Obtain medical certificates where possible and copies of other documentation.
  3. Send a written notification to the landlord and request written confirmation.
  4. Apply to the Rent Tribunal if you cannot reach an agreement.
  5. Contact the Enforcement Authority if enforcement is initiated for information on your rights and options.

Key takeaways

  • Documentation is the most important tool to protect your rights.
  • Contact the Rent Tribunal early if you need review or postponement.
  • Always respond in writing to demands to avoid escalation.

Help and support / Resources


  1. [1] Riksdagen.se: Jordabalken (1970:994) 12 kap. Hyra
  2. [2] Domstol.se: Hyresnämnden och e-tjänster
  3. [3] Kronofogden.se: Information on enforcement
Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Sweden

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.