Tenant Documents and Enforcement in Sweden

As a tenant in Sweden you often need to gather important documents when a dispute about rent, repairs or eviction arises. This guide explains which papers are most relevant for settlement and enforcement, how to document repair needs and when to contact the Rent Tribunal or the Enforcement Authority. The text is written for non-lawyers: simple, practical and with steps you can follow immediately. Follow the advice to strengthen your position, keep evidence and avoid common mistakes. If you need formal help we also describe how to submit an application to the Rent Tribunal and which deadlines apply. Read on.

Which documents do you need?

Gather the documents that show your rights and situation. For example the tenancy agreement, rent statements and receipts, written communication with the landlord and photos of defects. Document the date and time of every contact and save any inspection reports or contractor estimates. These documents help both in settlement and when filing a formal application to the Rent Tribunal or court.

• Tenancy agreement and addenda.
• Rent statements, receipts and proof of payment.
• Photos and dated documentation of damage or defects.
• Written communication with the landlord, including demands and responses.

When are settlement and enforcement used?

Settlement is often used to resolve disputes without court, but when parties do not reach agreement the Rent Tribunal can make decisions or recommendations. You can file an application to the Rent Tribunal via the courts e-services and follow their procedures for negotiations and decisions. Read more about the Rent Tribunal^[1]

Repairs and maintenance

The landlords responsibility for maintenance and repairs is governed in practice by the lease and legislation. As a tenant you should report defects in writing and give the landlord reasonable time to fix the issue. If actions are not taken you can request rent reduction, carry out necessary repairs and claim the cost, or turn to the Rent Tribunal for review. In some cases enforcement is handled by the Enforcement Authority after a decision or judgment.

• Report defects in writing and request action.
• Give the landlord reasonable time and document deadlines.
• Keep receipts if you pay for an emergency repair.
• Contact the Rent Tribunal if you cannot reach a settlement.

FAQ

Which documents should I collect?

Tenancy agreement, rent statements and receipts, documentation of defects (photos, dates), written communication with the landlord and any inspection reports.

When should I contact the Rent Tribunal?

If negotiations with the landlord fail or in disputes about rent, termination or repairs. Applications are made via the courts e-services.

What happens during enforcement?

The Enforcement Authority can carry out eviction or debt collection after a judgment or decision from the Rent Tribunal or court.

How-To

1. Collect all relevant documents: agreement, receipts, photos and correspondence.
2. Contact the landlord in writing and request action.
3. Fill in and send an application to the Rent Tribunal if you cannot agree; use the courts e-services. ^[1]
4. Prepare evidence and attend the negotiation or hearing.
5. For decisions requiring enforcement, follow instructions to apply to the Enforcement Authority.^[2]

Help and Support / Resources

• Rent Tribunal and e-services — domstol.se
• Enforcement and debt collection — kronofogden.se
• Jordabalken (Tenancy law) — riksdagen.se

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