Tenants and Contractors: Access in Sweden

As a tenant in Sweden you may need to understand when the landlord or contractors are allowed to enter your apartment, especially during renovations, standard upgrades, or when temporary evacuation is required. This guide explains your basic rights, what notices are required, rules for emergency visits and how to document damage and communication. We also describe how you can respond if you believe access is unjustified and how disputes can be brought to the Rent Tribunal. The goal is to provide clear steps and practical advice so you as a tenant in Sweden can protect your privacy and your rights during work in your home.

What applies when contractors need to enter?

The landlord must generally inform you in advance and state the reason for the access and a reasonable time. The tenancy legislation is found in the Code of Land (Jordabalken), which sets the framework for when and how access may take place ^[1]. Emergencies, such as water leaks or fire risk, are an exception where immediate action may be taken without prior notice.

Common situations

Common reasons for access are planned repairs, troubleshooting of installations and major renovations that may affect the living standard. For major standard upgrades that may lead to a rent increase or temporary evacuation, the landlord should provide clear information and often negotiate with the tenant or the Rent Tribunal ^[2].

What you can do as a tenant

• Request a written notice with time, date and reason for the access.
• Arrange a time that suits you and ask for all visits to occur within the stated time window.
• Document before and after the work with photographs and notes.
• Inform how keys and inaccessible areas should be handled to protect your privacy.

If the landlord requires temporary evacuation you must receive information about schedule, compensation and the possibility to return. In case of disagreement about compensation or whether access is reasonable, the matter can be brought before the Rent Tribunal for a decision ^[2].

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the landlord enter without notice?

Usually no; the landlord must state the reason and time in advance. Only in emergencies may immediate access occur without prior notice ^[1].

What happens with temporary evacuation?

For evacuation the landlord must inform about reasons, schedule and possible compensation. Disputes about terms can be tried at the Rent Tribunal ^[2].

How do I report damage after contractor work?

Report damage in writing to the landlord and document it. If compensation is not provided, the dispute can first be tried at the Rent Tribunal and, if necessary, enforced via the Enforcement Authority ^[3].

How to

1. Receive and check the notice from the landlord, keep a copy.
2. Document the condition with photos, dates and notes before work begins.
3. Communicate in writing with the landlord about times, key handling and any valuables.
4. Contact the Rent Tribunal if you cannot reach a solution or if you believe the access is unjustified ^[2].

Key takeaways

• You have the right to timely information before planned access.
• Documentation increases your chances of proving damage or defects.
• The Rent Tribunal can adjudicate disputes about access and compensation.

Help and support

• Rent Tribunal and court services (domstol.se)
• Legislation and Code of Land (riksdagen.se)
• Enforcement Authority information (kronofogden.se)

1. [1] Riksdagen — Jordabalken (12 kap.)
2. [2] Domstol.se — Rent Tribunal and case services
3. [3] Kronofogden.se — Enforcement Authority and information