Tenant Insurance Rights in Sweden

As a tenant in Sweden it is important to understand what your home insurance can cover and what falls under the landlord's responsibility for maintenance and repairs. This guide clearly explains the difference between insurance cover for personal belongings, liability and legal expenses, and reviews common situations such as water damage, fire or mold. You will get concrete advice on how to document damage, when to contact your insurer versus the landlord, and what steps you can take if you end up in a dispute, including contacting the Rent Tribunal. The goal is to give you practical tools to act safely, reduce risk and clarify responsibility and costs in your housing situation.

What does home insurance usually cover?

Home insurance for tenants primarily protects your personal belongings and liability for damage to others. Typical parts are compensation for stolen or damaged items, liability cover if you damage someone else's property and legal expenses cover for disputes related to your housing. Home insurance usually does not cover the landlord's fixed structures or liability for poor maintenance.

• Damage to belongings: furniture, electronics and personal items can be compensated for fire, theft or water damage.
• Liability cover: covers compensation for damage you cause to other people's property or persons.
• Legal expenses: helps with costs for legal assistance in disputes about rental agreements or damages.

Landlord maintenance and repair obligations

The landlord is responsible under Swedish law for ensuring the dwelling is habitable and for necessary repairs related to the building's functions. This follows rules in the Land Code, Chapter 12 on leases.^[1] The landlord's responsibility includes heating, water pipes and load-bearing structures. Minor defects or damage caused by the tenant may, however, be the tenant's responsibility.

How to act when damage or defects occur

When a damage occurs, act quickly: document the damage with date and photos, contact the landlord and report to your insurer. State clearly what happened and request written confirmation. If the landlord does not remedy a serious defect you may be entitled to reduced rent or enforcement via the Rent Tribunal.^[1]

• Photograph damage immediately and keep original receipts for any compensation claims.
• Notify the landlord in writing and request a schedule for repairs.
• Report the damage to your insurer as soon as possible.

What to do if enforcement or dispute arises

If the landlord does not fix defects after warning you can apply for assistance from the Rent Tribunal to obtain a review or decision on reduced rent. The Rent Tribunal handles tenancy disputes in Sweden and can issue binding decisions.^[2] If a decision is not followed enforcement may proceed to the Enforcement Authority.^[3]

Frequently asked questions

What do I do if my belongings are stolen in the apartment?

Report to the police, document what is missing, contact your insurer and provide a police report when claiming compensation.

Who pays repair costs for a water leak?

If the leak is caused by the building's installations the landlord is responsible, but if the fault was caused by the tenant's negligence the tenant may have to pay.

Can I demand reduced rent for mold?

Yes, if the defect significantly affects living conditions you can request reduced rent and have the matter reviewed by the Rent Tribunal.

What if the landlord threatens eviction after I complained?

Document the threat, contact the Rent Tribunal for advice and consider legal expenses cover through your home insurance.

How to

1. Document the damage with date, time and clear photos.
2. Notify the landlord in writing and request an action plan.
3. Report the damage to your insurer and attach documentation and a police report for theft.
4. If refused or unanswered, contact the Rent Tribunal for advice and information about the HN1 application.
5. Submit necessary documents (such as photos and correspondence) when you file an application with the Rent Tribunal (file HN1).
6. Adhere to authority deadlines and act promptly if additional information is requested.

Help and Support / Resources

• [1] Riksdagen - Land Code Chapter 12
• [2] Domstol.se - Rent Tribunal
• [3] Enforcement Authority - Kronofogden

1. [1] Riksdagen - Jordabalken 12 kap.
2. [2] Domstol.se - Hyresnämnden
3. [3] Kronofogden - Verkställighet