Tenant Rights for Disturbances in Sweden
As a tenant in Sweden, disturbances from neighbours or others in the building can affect your housing standards and safety. This article explains what counts as a disturbance, when problems can become grounds for termination or eviction, and what steps you can take to protect your rights. You will get concrete advice on documentation, communicating with the landlord, and how to use the Rent Tribunal or other authorities if the problem persists. The language is simple and practical with a focus on actions tenants can take themselves in Sweden, including common deadlines and what evidence is most useful in a dispute. The text also points to which authorities can help and what standards the law practically requires for housing.
What counts as a disturbance?
Disturbances can be loud parties at night, construction noise outside agreed hours, repeated threatening behaviour or other actions that make it difficult to use the apartment. Nuisances affecting health, such as damp or lack of heating, can also count as a disturbance if the landlord does not fix it.
When do disturbances become grounds for termination or eviction?
Only serious or repeated disturbances can justify the landlord terminating a lease or seeking eviction. Rules on landlord and tenant obligations are found in the Jordabalk (1970:994)[1], and decisions are often made by the Rent Tribunal in each individual case.
What you can do immediately
- Record the date and time of each disturbance.
- Take photos or recordings as evidence.
- Send a written notice to the landlord and request action.
- Keep receipts for any costs or repairs.
- If nothing helps: apply to the Rent Tribunal using form HN1.[2]
How does the Rent Tribunal and Enforcement Authority work?
The Rent Tribunal adjudicates disputes between tenant and landlord and can decide on termination or fines. You can find information about cases and e-services at Domstol.se and use HN1 when applying. Domstol.se
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I withhold rent if I am disturbed?
- No, withholding rent can be risky; document the problems and contact the landlord or the Rent Tribunal for help.
- How quickly must I act?
- Report disturbances as soon as possible and save dates and evidence; some remedies have time limits to be effective in a dispute.
- What evidence does the Rent Tribunal value?
- Receipts, photographs, audio recordings and written communication with the landlord are often important evidence.
How-to
- Document each disturbance with date and time.
- Contact the landlord in writing and request action.
- Apply to the Rent Tribunal using HN1 if nothing changes.
- Collect evidence and prepare a clear timeline for the case.
Help and Support
- Contact the Rent Tribunal – Domstol.se
- Read the Jordabalk (12 ch. Tenancy) – Riksdagen
- Information on enforcement – Kronofogden
