Tenant rights: deadlines for heat outages in Sweden
If the heating in your rental property fails, you as a tenant need to know the deadlines that apply for reporting faults, repairs and claims for rent reduction in Sweden. This guide explains step by step what you should do, what rights you have under the Swedish Land Code and how quickly the landlord must fix inadequate heating[1]. You will get concrete actions to take, examples of evidence to collect and when you can turn to the Rent Tribunal or the Enforcement Authority to have your case reviewed[2][3]. The guide covers deadlines for reporting, landlord response times, entitlement to rent reduction and when you can claim compensation.
What do deadlines mean for heat outages?
Deadlines concern how quickly the landlord must respond after you as a tenant have reported a problem. For acute heat outages, action is expected immediately or within a few hours; for less serious disturbances reasonable time is assessed based on the circumstances. Tenants' rights are regulated in the Swedish Land Code[1].
What to do immediately
- Report the fault to the landlord in writing and request confirmation of receipt.
- Document time, temperature and take photos or video as evidence.
- Contact a tenants' association or advisory service if you need help communicating.
- Request written information about possible rent reduction if living quality is affected.
When must the landlord fix the problem?
The landlord must fix defects within a reasonable time depending on the severity. Acute defects require immediate action; other defects should be handled within days or weeks depending on repair needs and contractor availability. If the landlord does not act, you can turn to the Rent Tribunal for a decision[2] and in some cases have decisions enforced via the Enforcement Authority[3].
When can you take the case to the Rent Tribunal?
If the landlord does not fix the problem within a reasonable time, you can apply to the Rent Tribunal for rent reduction or other measures. To increase your chances of success, attach your documentation: fault reports, receipts, photos and any temperature measurements[2].
Frequently asked questions
- How long does the landlord have to fix a heat outage?
- The landlord must act reasonably quickly depending on the severity; for acute defects action should be immediate.
- Can I demand a rent reduction if the heating does not work?
- Yes, you can demand a reduction if living quality is affected; save documentation and contact the Rent Tribunal in case of dispute.
- What happens if the landlord does not comply with a Rent Tribunal decision?
- The decision can then be enforced via the Enforcement Authority according to applicable procedures.
How to
- Contact the landlord in writing and describe the problem in detail.
- Collect evidence: photos, temperature measurements and all correspondence.
- If nothing happens, apply to the Rent Tribunal with your documentation.
- If a decision is not followed, consider enforcement via the Enforcement Authority.
Help and Support / Resources
- [1] Riksdagen - Swedish Land Code (Chapter 12)
- [2] Domstol.se - Rent Tribunal
- [3] Enforcement Authority - Enforcement
