Tenant responsibility for reasonable adaptations in Sweden

As a tenant in Sweden you may encounter the need for reasonable adaptations to your home — for example for health, long-term disability or safety. This article explains who usually bears the costs and the steps you can take to request adaptations from your landlord. You will get practical advice on written communication, which evidence supports your case and when matters can be referred to the Rent Tribunal or other authorities. The text uses plain language and shows the rights and obligations under the Swedish Land Code and how to document and follow up a request in Sweden. I also explain what types of adaptations are often considered reasonable and when costs may be shared or require municipal support.

What counts as reasonable adaptations?

Reasonable adaptations are changes that make the home usable or safer for a resident, often in cases of disability or special needs. Examples include ramps, grab bars, relocation of appliances or simple installations that improve accessibility and safety. Whether an adaptation is reasonable depends on the cost, the landlord's ability to carry out the work and whether the adaptation affects other tenants or the building's standard.

Who pays?

Responsibility for costs can be shared between tenant and landlord depending on the type of measure. Under the Swedish Land Code the landlord may need to cover measures affecting basic functions of the dwelling or those that are reasonable to carry out in the property^[1]. If the parties do not agree, the matter can be decided by the Rent Tribunal^[2]. If a decision is not followed, enforcement can be carried out by the Enforcement Authority^[3].

• Repairs and technical changes required for basic function are often paid by the landlord.
• Minor, simple adaptations with low cost may sometimes fall to the tenant if otherwise agreed.
• If you cannot reach agreement you can submit an application to the Rent Tribunal for review.
• Documentation, photos and quotes help both the landlord and the tribunal assess what is reasonable.

How to request an adaptation

Always start by contacting the landlord in writing and describe the need clearly. State which adaptation you propose, why it is needed and attach any relevant certificates or medical notes. Propose practical solutions and ask if the landlord can carry out the work or share the cost. Keep copies of all correspondence and receipts.

How to

1. Contact the landlord orally first for an early conversation about the need.
2. Send a written request describing the adaptation and attach certificates or documentation.
3. Save and organize evidence: photos, quotes, receipts and any medical certificates.
4. If you cannot agree, apply to the Rent Tribunal for review and include all documentation.

Frequently asked questions

What counts as a reasonable adaptation?

An adaptation that is necessary for the dwelling's usability or safety and whose cost and feasibility are assessed as reasonable given the property and the parties' circumstances.

Can the landlord refuse?

The landlord can reject proposals that are unreasonably expensive or technically impossible, but decisions can be reviewed by the Rent Tribunal if the parties do not agree.

What if the landlord will not pay?

Document everything, negotiate in writing and consider applying for review by the Rent Tribunal if no solution is reached.

Key points to document

• Written communication with the landlord and any responses received.
• Photos before and after, quotes and receipts for any measures.

Help and support / Resources

• Information about the Rent Tribunal - domstol.se
• The Swedish Land Code (Ch. 12) - riksdagen.se
• Enforcement and the Enforcement Authority - kronofogden.se

1. [1] Swedish Land Code (Ch. 12) - riksdagen.se
2. [2] Rent Tribunal information and forms - domstol.se
3. [3] Enforcement Authority information - kronofogden.se