Tenant Rights for Contractor Access in Sweden

What applies when contractors need access?

As a tenant in Sweden, you may sometimes face situations where contractors need access to your home for repairs or renovations. This text explains your rights regarding notice, timing for visits, what actions the landlord may require and what applies for major standard-raising works that may require temporary evacuation.^[1] You will get concrete advice on how to document damages, what communication is reasonable and when it is appropriate to contact the Rent Tribunal or seek help from the Enforcement Authority in case of dispute.^[2][3] The aim is to provide clear steps so you can protect your privacy, housing standard and right to compensation if needed. Read on for practical steps.

What can the landlord do?

The landlord has the right to carry out necessary repairs and maintenance, but measures must not violate your privacy or occur without reasonable notice and time for you to prepare. In emergency situations, such as leaks or fire risk, quick access may be required, but in normal cases the time and purpose should be clearly communicated.

• Document damages and times with photos or video.
• Request written notice from the landlord about the time.
• Set a reasonable time for contractors to arrive.
• Contact the Rent Tribunal or the Enforcement Authority in case of dispute.

When can temporary evacuation become relevant?

For major standard-raising works where the dwelling cannot be lived in during the work, the landlord may need to offer temporary evacuation or alternative housing. If the work makes the dwelling uninhabitable, the landlord should inform you well in advance, and questions about compensation or reimbursement may arise if the standard changes after the renovation.

Standard upgrades and compensation

If the renovation raises the standard, the landlord may request higher rent afterwards, but negotiations or a trial at the Rent Tribunal are often required to determine what is reasonable. Save all receipts, messages and documentation about the scope of work and its impact on the dwelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have to let contractors in if the landlord asks?

No, the landlord normally must give reasonable notice and state the purpose; exceptions exist for emergencies requiring quick access.

2. How far in advance must the landlord notify?

There is no exact statutory time for all situations, but the notice should be reasonable and give you a chance to prepare or request an alternative time.

3. What do I do if I am temporarily evacuated during renovation?

Request written information about the reasons, schedule and possible compensation; document the situation and contact the Rent Tribunal if you cannot reach an agreement.

How to

1. Write down dates, times and what happened in connection with contractor visits.
2. Take photos or video as evidence of damage or the scope of work.
3. Request written information from the landlord about time and purpose.
4. Contact the Rent Tribunal via domstol.se for advice or to file an application for review.
5. Contact the Enforcement Authority for enforcement if a decision is not followed.

Help and support / Resources

• [1] Riksdagen — The Swedish Code of Statutes: Jordabalken (1970:994), Chapter 12
• [2] Domstol.se — Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden), information and e-services
• [3] Enforcement Authority (Kronofogden) — enforcement and debt recovery

1. [1] Riksdagen — The Swedish Code of Statutes: Jordabalken (1970:994), Chapter 12
2. [2] Domstol.se — Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden), information and e-services
3. [3] Enforcement Authority (Kronofogden) — enforcement and debt recovery