Am I allowed to make noise in the evening in Sweden?
There is no national law setting exact "quiet hours". The habit that it must be quiet after 22:00 comes from the landlord's or housing co-op's house rules and municipal practice — not a statute. But you are protected against noise that can harm health: under the Environmental Code ch. 9 §3, sound that is not minor or temporary is a "nuisance to human health". In a tenancy, repeated disturbance can lead to eviction (Land Code ch. 12 §25). In Stockholm, guideline renovation hours are weekdays 07–19, weekends 10–17.
📋 The rules
- No national law on exact quiet hours
- "Quiet after 10pm" comes from house rules, not law
- Environmental Code 9:3: health-harming noise is a nuisance
- Tenancy: repeated disturbance can bring eviction (Land Code 12:25)
- Stockholm renovation: weekday 07–19, weekend 10–17
🔓 Exceptions
- One-off temporary events are normally not investigated
- Construction sites are time-limited and often classed as temporary
- Ordinary living sounds (footsteps, children) must be tolerated
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Tenant: a warning and ultimately eviction for disturbance. Businesses: the Environmental Office can order an injunction or ban with a conditional fine (Environmental Code ch. 26). Acute disturbance — call police on 114 14.
📎 Official sources
- Environmental Code (1998:808) · Riksdagen →
- City of Stockholm · Noise and disturbance →
- Union of Tenants · A neighbour disturbs →
❓ Frequently asked
Is there a law on silence after 10pm?
No. It is house rules and practice, not national law. But health-harming noise can be stopped via the Environmental Code.
When can I drill and renovate in Stockholm?
Guideline hours are weekdays 07–19 and weekends 10–17. Tradespeople inside the flat weekdays 08–17.
Who do I complain to about a noisy neighbour?
Start with the landlord or co-op, then the Environmental Office. For acute disturbance call police on 114 14.
Can a neighbour lose their flat for noise?
Yes, repeated disturbance can lead to eviction under the Land Code ch. 12 §25.
Must I tolerate children and footsteps from neighbours?
Yes, ordinary living sounds must be accepted. It is persistent, health-harming noise that is regulated.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
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- “when can you drill renovate stockholm”
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