Who Pays for Tenancy Protection in Sweden

Tenant rights & basic protections 3 min read · published September 11, 2025

When a tenant in Sweden faces questions about tenancy protection it often concerns who bears the cost of termination, repairs or compensation. This guide explains in plain language what tenancy protection means, when it can affect who pays, and what steps you as a tenant can take to protect your rights in Sweden. We cover practical examples, the documentation you should collect and how to contact the right authority if a dispute arises. The goal is to give clear advice so you can act quickly and correctly in an uncertain situation.

What tenancy protection means

Tenancy protection effectively means a tenant often has the right to remain in the apartment even after a rental period ends, and special rules apply for termination and changes to the tenancy. The rules are in the Swedish Code of Statutes (Jordabalken, Chapter 12) which governs residential rent and termination in Sweden [1]. If a landlord attempts to terminate the lease, both compensation rights and cost responsibility issues can arise.

Tenants are normally entitled to basic habitability standards.

Who pays what — overview

When costs arise related to tenancy protection the responsibility may fall differently depending on the cause: whether it concerns compensation for unlawful termination, moving costs or repairs needed to restore the dwelling. Here is a quick overview of common situations and who typically pays.

  • Rent during dispute: the tenant normally must pay rent until a legal decision changes the situation.
  • Moving costs: if a tenant is forced to move due to improper termination the landlord may be required to reimburse those costs.
  • Repairs: ongoing maintenance is often the landlord's responsibility, while tenant-caused damage may require the tenant to pay.
  • Legal costs: a court or rent tribunal may decide on compensation depending on who was right in the dispute.
  • Evidence and records: keep receipts, photos and correspondence to show who was responsible at a given time.

If you need to interpret a specific case the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) is the body that adjudicates tenancy disputes in Sweden [2]. Their decisions can affect who ultimately pays.

Write down dates and keep all written communication with the landlord.

When the landlord may be required to pay

A landlord may be required to compensate costs if the termination is deemed invalid or if the landlord has breached maintenance obligations. For example, the tenant may receive financial compensation for reasonable moving costs or for loss of use of the dwelling.

Always respond to formal notices within stated deadlines to avoid losing rights.

Documentation to collect

  • Receipts for moving and additional expenses.
  • Terminations, contracts and written communication.
  • Contact details for witnesses or union representatives.

With clear documentation it is easier to show the link between termination, damage and cost when you seek compensation in the Rent Tribunal or during negotiations.

Frequently asked questions

Who pays if the landlord terminates the contract incorrectly?
If the termination is invalid the landlord may be required to reimburse moving costs or other financial losses depending on the Rent Tribunal's assessment.
Who is responsible for repairs during a dispute?
Basic maintenance is usually the landlord's responsibility, but tenant-caused damage may require the tenant to pay. Keep evidence of condition for disputes.
Can the tenant get compensation for legal costs?
The Rent Tribunal can in some cases award compensation, but parties often bear their own costs unless stated otherwise in a decision.

How to

  1. Collect documents: contract, terminations, receipts and photos.
  2. Contact the landlord in writing and request explanation and any claims for costs.
  3. Apply to the Rent Tribunal if you cannot reach agreement [2].
  4. Follow decisions and consider requesting enforcement at the Enforcement Authority if compensation is awarded [3].
Early documentation and clear communication reduce the risk of lost rights in disputes.

Key takeaways

  • Liability for costs depends on the cause and who is found to be right.
  • The landlord is often responsible for maintenance, not for tenant-caused damage.
  • The Rent Tribunal adjudicates disputes and can influence who ultimately pays.

Help and support / Resources


  1. [1] Riksdagen - Jordabalken (12 kap.)
  2. [2] Domstol.se - Rent Tribunal and forms
  3. [3] Kronofogden - Enforcement of decisions
Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Sweden

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.