Tenants: Pets and House Rules in Sweden

As a tenant in Sweden, questions about pets and house rules can be stressful. This guide explains what applies when it comes to permission for animals, disturbances and maintenance of shared spaces. You will get advice on how to talk to the landlord and neighbours, how to document problems, and when you can take the case to the Rent Tribunal or the Enforcement Authority. We also explain common clauses in tenancy agreements, what can justify termination or warnings, and practical steps to resolve conflicts without going to court. The text also describes how to apply for permissions, what evidence helps (for example photographs or written complaints), and how long different processes usually take. The goal is to give concrete tips that help you as a tenant handle conflicts securely and lawfully.

Pets and tenancy agreements

In many cases, issues about pets are regulated in the tenancy agreement. A landlord can require written approval or set reasonable restrictions, but terms must follow the Swedish Code of Statutes (Chapter 12).^[1] Service or assistance animals may be exempt from ordinary bans, so always check the agreement details and request written confirmation from the landlord.

House rules and disturbances

House rules often concern noise, odour, vandalism and use of shared areas. If you experience disturbances, there are practical steps to protect your rights:

• Contact the landlord in writing and describe the issue.
• Document disturbances with dates, times and photographs or audio recordings.
• First try to speak calmly with the neighbours involved to find a solution.
• If the problem persists, you can file an application with the Rent Tribunal for review.^[2]
• Keep rent statements, receipts and other documentation showing costs or affected use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I allowed to have a pet in a rental?

It depends on the tenancy agreement; some landlords permit pets while others require permission. Service and assistance animals may be exempt. If the landlord prohibits pets, the prohibition should be clearly stated in the agreement and be reasonable.

What counts as a disturbance?

A disturbance is a recurring or serious impact on living comfort, such as constant loud music, barking dogs at night or vandalism. Single incidents are normally not considered severe disturbance.

When can the landlord terminate my tenancy?

Termination may be relevant for serious or repeated breaches of the agreement, for example if disturbances continue after a warning. Legal reviews follow Chapter 12 of the Swedish Code and are often handled by the Rent Tribunal.^[1]

How to

1. Contact the landlord in writing and request clear information about the rules.
2. Document disturbances carefully with dates, times and evidence.
3. File a formal application or complaint with the Rent Tribunal if the problem is not resolved.^[2]
4. If decisions are not followed, the case can be enforced via the Enforcement Authority.^[3]

Help and Support / Resources

• Swedish Code of Statutes (Chapter 12) - riksdagen.se
• Rent Tribunal - domstol.se
• Enforcement Authority - kronofogden.se

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1. [1] Swedish Code of Statutes (Chapter 12) — riksdagen.se
2. [2] Rent Tribunal — domstol.se
3. [3] Enforcement Authority — kronofogden.se