Tenant Key Handover Rules in Sweden
As a tenant in Sweden, you may wonder when the landlord has the right to hand over keys or read meters in your apartment. This text explains how rules about entry, key handover and meter readings generally work, what rights you as a tenant have, and what documentation you should keep. We cover common situations: moving in, maintenance reports, scheduled inspections and disputes. The text also describes practical steps if you want to challenge entry or contact the Rent Tribunal and the Enforcement Authority, and how to collect evidence. The language is simple so you can quickly understand what applies and what you should do next time a key or meter affects your tenancy.
When may the landlord enter?
The landlord does not have unrestricted right to enter your apartment. Usually your consent is required or a clear reason exists, such as an urgent fault or agreed service. Rules on entry and tenants' rights are found in the Land Code and interpreted in case law.[1]
- Maintenance reports or repairs (repair)
- Scheduled inspection or supervision (inspect)
- Moving in or returning keys (move-in)
- Emergency issues, e.g. water leak (repair)
Key handover and security
Handing over a key can be necessary when moving in or if the property manager needs access to fix a serious defect. The landlord must not keep your key without good reason and without informing you. If the landlord wants to change locks or requires extra keys, this should be clear in the lease or agreed upon.
When the landlord can hand over or keep a key
If there is risk of damage or the tenant has terminated the lease, key handling may be necessary. In other cases, the tenant's consent is required. If you are unsure, request written justification and a time frame for access.
Meters and readings
The landlord or a contractor may need to read electricity, water or heating meters. Typically readings are announced in advance and conducted at a reasonable time. Document readings with a photo and date if you want to avoid future disputes.[1]
- Take a photo of the meter reading and date (photo)
- Send a copy of the meter reading to the landlord (form)
- Keep receipts and any reading reports (evidence)
What to do in a dispute?
If you and the landlord cannot agree, the Rent Tribunal can examine the dispute and provide a verbal or written decision. In some cases, an application to the Rent Tribunal is required to have the dispute examined.[2] If a judgment or decision needs enforcement, the Enforcement Authority may become relevant.[3]
- Write down and collect evidence before submitting an application (form)
- Be aware that proceedings can lead to hearings or oral sessions (court)
- Contact local advisors or tenant associations for support (help)
Frequently asked questions
- Can the landlord use my key without permission?
- No, the landlord usually needs your consent or a valid reason, except in emergencies.
- Can the landlord change the lock without informing me?
- The landlord should inform and explain the reason; in security risks measures may be necessary but you should be notified.
- How do I document meter readings?
- Take a photo with the date, keep receipts and send copies to the landlord to avoid future disagreement.
How to
- Note date and time and take a photo of the meter reading (photo).
- Send a written request or report to the landlord (form).
- Save all correspondence and evidence digitally and on paper (evidence).
- If you do not resolve the dispute, file an application with the Rent Tribunal (form).
- If enforcement is needed, contact the Enforcement Authority (court).
Help and Support / Resources
- Rent Tribunal and applications via Domstolsv"{a}rket
- Parliament – legislation (Land Code, Chapter 12)
- Enforcement Authority – enforcement and information
