Housing
How Swedish renting works
Most people rent. A first-hand contract is the most secure but comes from long queues; most newcomers start second-hand or in a room. Knowing the rules protects you from overpaying and scams.
The main ways to rent
| Type | From | Security |
|---|---|---|
| First-hand rental (förstahandskontrakt) | A landlord or housing company, usually via a queue | Highest: you have strong protection against being given notice |
| Second-hand rental (andrahand) | A tenant subletting with landlord or tribunal permission | Lower: time-limited, depends on the main tenant |
| Private letting | An owner renting out their tenant-owned flat or house | Depends on the contract; new rules for contracts from 1 July 2026 |
| Lodger (inneboende) | A room in someone’s home | Lowest: short notice, shared space |
| Student housing | Student housing companies, via their own queues | Tied to your studies |
How rent is set
First-hand rents are set by the flat’s bruksvärde (practical value) and are usually negotiated between landlords and the Tenants’ Association. A second-hand rent for a rental flat may not exceed the first-hand rent, plus at most 15% if furnished. For private letting under the new law (contracts from 1 July 2026), the rent may not be substantially higher than what is generally charged for private letting. The Rent Tribunal (hyresnämnden) can decide disputes.
Official sources
Rules and fees change. Always confirm on the official page before you apply or pay. Last checked 14 Oct 2026.
- Hyresgästföreningen: Renting a flat second-hand (Swedish)hyresgastforeningen.se
- Sveriges Domstolar: New rules for renting and tenant-owned flats, summer 2026 (Swedish)domstol.se
- Sveriges Domstolar: Renting out your own home – the private letting act (Swedish)domstol.se
- Hallå konsument: Your rights as a tenant (Swedish)hallakonsument.se