Tenant duties for lease end and extension in Sweden
What applies when the lease is extended or terminated?
As a tenant it is important to understand the difference between the landlord's and the tenant's responsibility for maintenance both when a lease is extended and when it is terminated. Some faults are usually the landlord's responsibility, others may fall on the tenant if the damage was caused by negligence. The legislation on tenancy matters is found in the Land Code, Chapter 12, which governs responsibilities and rights for tenants in Sweden.[1]
Who is responsible for what?
Here are common situations and who most often bears responsibility for the remedy:
- Heating and hot water - usually the landlord's responsibility.
- Minor repairs from wear and tear - may be the tenant's responsibility depending on the lease.
- Mold or major moisture damage - often requires investigation and can be the landlord's responsibility if the building is defective.
- Damage caused by the tenant - the tenant may need to pay or fix it.
Documentation and deadlines
Documentation is crucial. Always notify the landlord in writing, describe the defect clearly and state the date. Keep copies of messages, photos and receipts for repairs you arrange yourself. If the landlord does not fix serious defects, you may be entitled to rent reduction or compensation, but this often requires thorough documentation.
- Report defects in writing as soon as you discover them.
- Save photographs, emails and receipts as evidence.
- Note times for recurring issues and any health-impacting problems.
When should you contact the Rent Tribunal or Enforcement Authority?
If you and the landlord cannot agree, the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) can examine the dispute and issue a recommendation or decision. To claim payment or enforce a decision, the Enforcement Authority (Kronofogden) may become relevant.[2][3]
Key points to remember
- Contact the landlord in writing about defects and issues.
- Keep all documentation showing when the problem was discovered.
- Use the Rent Tribunal for disputes about responsibility or costs.
FAQ
- Who pays if a pipe bursts?
- Responsibility depends on the cause; if the pipe burst due to normal wear it is usually the landlord's responsibility, but if the damage is due to the tenant's negligence the tenant may be liable.
- Can I withhold rent if nothing is fixed?
- Withholding rent is risky and can lead to termination; contact the Rent Tribunal for advice before taking action.
- What happens if I receive a termination notice?
- Read the notice carefully, note deadlines and contact the Rent Tribunal if you want to dispute the termination.
How to
- Document the defect and take dated photographs.
- Notify the landlord in writing and request remedy.
- Keep all responses and receipts for any repairs you pay for.
- If nothing happens, contact the Rent Tribunal for review.
- If a decision is not followed, consider the Enforcement Authority for enforcement.
Help and Support
- [1] Domstol.se - Rent Tribunal and forms
- [2] Riksdagen.se - Land Code, Chapter 12 (tenancy)
- [3] Kronofogden.se - enforcement and information
