Tenant Home Insurance in Sweden
As a tenant in Sweden it is important to understand what your home insurance typically covers and when you instead need to contact the landlord or the rent tribunal. This guide explains the difference between liability insurance, personal belongings and what happens in cases of water damage, fire or burglary. You will receive concrete advice on documentation, how to report a claim to your insurer and when it is the landlords responsibility to carry out repairs under the tenancy law. The text also contains practical steps to escalate the matter if actions are not taken, as well as links to official authorities in Sweden that can help.
What does home insurance cover for tenants?
Home insurance often protects your belongings and can provide compensation for burglary, fire or water damage. It also covers liability claims if you cause damage to others. For some damages the deductible can affect compensation.
- Damage to personal belongings from burglary or fire.
- Liability claims if you cause damage to another person or their property.
- Water damage to belongings and sometimes costs for temporary housing.
- Legal protection for housing disputes may be included in some policies.
When is it the landlord's responsibility?
The landlord is normally responsible for the condition of the building and fixed installations according to the Swedish Code of Statutes (tenancy law)[1]. If a leak is due to poor maintenance it is often the landlords obligation to carry out and pay for the repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does home insurance cover water damage?
- Yes, insurance often covers damage to belongings from sudden water damage, but not always damage caused by lack of maintenance.
- Who pays to repair a broken stove?
- Fixed installations are usually the landlords responsibility, while loose items may be covered by your home insurance.
- What do I do if the landlord does not fix a problem?
- Document the defect, report the claim to your insurer and contact the Rent Tribunal for adjudication if necessary.[2]
How to
- Document the damage with dates, photos and receipts.
- Report the claim to your insurance company and ask for help assessing compensation.
- Contact the landlord in writing and request repair; keep copies of all communication.
- If actions are not taken, apply to the Rent Tribunal for dispute resolution and note that enforcement may require the Enforcement Authority.[3]
