Who Pays to Find Student Housing in Sweden
When and who pays to find student housing?
First: applicants often pay themselves for any fees that arise when finding housing — for example brokerage fees or travel. In other cases, a student union's housing office or the landlord may cover certain costs. In Sweden, fundamental tenancy issues are governed by the Code of Land (Jordabalken), Chapter 12 (Rent), which outlines tenant and landlord rights and obligations.[1]
Save all receipts and email conversations related to your housing search.
Common cost types
- A fee to a broker or agency may sometimes be charged to the applicant.
- A deposit or security is usually paid by the tenant.
- Contract or administration fees should be clearly stated in writing in the agreement.
If you are unsure who should pay, always check written agreements and ask the landlord or agency before paying anything. Documentation helps in disputes.
What to do if you are wrongly charged
- Preserve evidence: receipts, messages and ad copies.
- Request a written explanation from the party requesting payment.
- If a dispute arises, contact the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) for review or guidance.[2]
Early documentation reduces the risk of misunderstandings in a dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who pays for broker services for student housing?
- It varies; many brokers are paid by the landlord, but private agencies may charge the applicant. Always check who will be billed in the agreement.
- Can a landlord require payment for a viewing?
- No, charging for a standard viewing is unusual; if a fee is charged there must be clear information and a written agreement.
- What if I do not get my deposit back?
- Request a detailed list of deductions and if you cannot agree you can apply for review at the Rent Tribunal and in some cases use the Enforcement Authority (Kronofogden) for enforcement.[3]
How to
- Gather documentation: save ads, messages and receipts.
- Ask for a written agreement or receipt before paying any fee.
- If you cannot resolve the issue, apply for review at the Rent Tribunal following their instructions.
- If needed, contact the Enforcement Authority for information about enforcement.
Key takeaways
- The tenant usually pays the deposit.
- Any fee charged should be clearly documented.
- Documentation and receipts are crucial in disputes.
