Who Pays for Preparations Before a Rent Hearing in Sweden
What do preparations mean?
Preparations include all measures needed to make your case ready for a hearing: collecting contracts and receipts, documenting damage, ordering technical reports or seeking legal advice. The legal framework is in the Swedish Code of Statutes, Land Code (Jordabalken), chapter 12, which governs tenancy relationships[1].
- Gather tenancy agreements, minutes and correspondence.
- Take photos and create a timeline of problems and actions.
- Obtain written cost estimates or inspection reports.
- Consider legal advice if the case is complex.
Who may have to pay?
Who pays varies. Often each party covers their own costs. If the landlord caused the problem or failed to maintain the property, you may have the right to be reimbursed for certain costs or have the landlord pay for necessary investigations.
- The tenant usually pays for their own legal or advisory fees unless otherwise agreed.
- The landlord may be obliged to pay for inspections or repairs if deficiencies are due to lack of maintenance.
- In some cases, costs for investigations can be allocated by the Rent Tribunal.
How to collect documentation
Documentation is often decisive. Save receipts, photos, emails and all agreements in one place. Note dates and who performed actions.
- Keep receipts for expenses and invoices from tradespeople or inspectors.
- Take dated photos showing the extent and development of the damage.
- Write a short timeline of events and collect witness statements if possible.
Applying to the Rent Tribunal
If you cannot agree, you can apply to the Rent Tribunal. There you submit evidence and your request for review. See the Rent Tribunal services and e‑forms at domstol.se[2]. If a judgment or decision needs enforcement, the Swedish Enforcement Authority may become relevant[3].
FAQ
- Who pays for legal advice before a rent hearing?
- Generally, each party pays their own costs for legal advice unless otherwise agreed or ordered by a court.
- Can the landlord be required to pay for inspection or investigation?
- Yes, if lack of maintenance or a defect is attributable to the landlord, the Rent Tribunal can order the landlord to reimburse certain investigation costs.
- How do I document costs for the Rent Tribunal?
- Keep original receipts, invoices and work orders; write a description of the work and attach before-and-after photos.
How to
- Collect all relevant documents and photos.
- Save receipts and invoices in chronological order.
- Contact the landlord in writing and request action or compensation.
- Consider filing an application with the Rent Tribunal if you do not reach an agreement.
- Prepare a short oral presentation of the case for the hearing.
Key takeaways
- Always save original receipts and dated documentation.
- Contact the Rent Tribunal if a private agreement is not possible.
- Be clear in your communication and meet deadlines.
Help and Support / Resources
- Riksdagen — legislation (Land Code)
- Domstol.se — Rent Tribunal and e‑services
- Kronofogden — enforcement and collection
