Tenant Rights: Quiet Hours & Disturbance Logs in Sweden
As a tenant in Sweden, it is important to know what your landlord may require regarding house rules, quiet hours and documenting disturbances. This article explains when quiet hours can be reasonable, what information may be recorded in a disturbance log and how you as a tenant can protect your rights. I go through practical steps to collect evidence, communicate with the landlord and when it is appropriate to contact the rent tribunal. The information is intended for common housing situations and gives concrete advice for handling noise, recurring disturbances or neighbor conflicts in a safe and lawful manner. You will also find examples of how to document sounds and which time limits may apply. The material also explains what the rent tribunal and the Swedish Enforcement Authority can do in disputes.
What applies to quiet hours and disturbance logs?
Rules on housing and rent in Sweden are governed by the Swedish Code of Land (jordabalken), chapter 12. A landlord may have house rules in the lease, but these must not conflict with the law or be unreasonable. If a landlord keeps a disturbance log, the information must be relevant and factual; pure opinions or details that violate privacy should not be stored without cause. For statute text and more formal information see legislation and authorities.[1]
When can a landlord introduce quiet hours?
- When quiet hours apply to specific clock times and are clearly stated in house rules, they can be reasonable.
- If the rules aim to protect residents' safety or health, they are often justifiable.
- The rule must not be used for discrimination or unfair restrictions on hospitality.
For interpretation issues, the rent tribunal can assess whether a rule is reasonable. Contact the rent tribunal for guidance on your case and if you need formal review.[2]
Document disturbances and evidence
Careful documentation helps if you need to complain or proceed with a case. Note date, time, what happened and who was involved. Audio recordings and photos can be relevant but consider privacy rules when recording other people.
- Keep a diary of disturbances with date and time for each incident.
- Take photos or audio recordings when reasonable and legal.
- Save written communication with the landlord, neighbors or property management.
- Collect witness contact details and request written statements if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a landlord set quiet hours that apply around the clock?
- No, quiet hours that are disproportionately strict or prevent normal living may be deemed unreasonable. The rent tribunal decides in disputes.
- May a landlord keep a personal disturbance log about me as a tenant?
- The landlord may keep a log of factual events, but the information must be factual and relevant; personal judgments or sensitive personal data should be avoided.
- What should I do if disturbances continue?
- First document, notify the landlord in writing, request action and if nothing helps you can apply to the rent tribunal for review.
How to
- Note the date and time of the disturbance and describe what happened.
- Gather evidence such as photos, audio recordings and witness statements.
- Contact the landlord in writing and request that the issues be resolved.
- If nothing happens, consider applying to the rent tribunal or seeking legal advice.
Help and Support / Resources
- Rent tribunal information at domstol.se
- The Code of Land (jordabalken) at riksdagen.se
- Swedish Enforcement Authority - information
