Can my landlord require a deposit in Sweden?
Usually not on an ordinary first-hand lease — deposits are uncommon in Sweden. Rent is set by the use-value system, collectively negotiated rather than free on the market, and there is no statutory deposit scheme. The Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) settles disputes and can order excess rent repaid. When subletting, the rent may be the same as the first-hand rent, plus a maximum 15% markup for furniture and the actual cost of electricity and broadband — anything above that is excess rent, reclaimable up to 24 months back plus interest. Subletting also needs the landlord's or the Tribunal's permission, and buying or selling a tenancy contract is a crime.
📋 The rules
- First-hand: rent set by use-value, no deposit scheme
- Subletting: same rent as the first-hand rent
- Furnished: max 15% markup; electricity/broadband at actual cost
- Excess rent can be reclaimed up to 24 months back
- Subletting needs landlord or Rent Tribunal permission
🔓 Exceptions
- A subletting of a tenant-owned (bostadsrätt) flat follows different rent rules
- A second-hand deposit, if used: usually 1–2 months' rent, repaid on move-out
- A subtenant gets security of tenure only after living there over 2 years
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Excess rent is handled in civil law: the Rent Tribunal can order repayment up to 24 months back plus interest, which for an expensive sublet is a substantial sum to hand back in one go. Buying or selling a tenancy contract, by contrast, is a crime — fines or up to 2 years in prison, and 6 months–4 years if gross — and the buyer can also lose the tenancy itself, forfeiting both the money and the flat. As a subtenant you have no security of tenure until you have lived there more than 2 years, so your position is weak if the landlord wants the flat back.
📎 Official sources
- Land Code (1970:994) ch. 12 · Riksdagen →
- Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) →
- Swedish Union of Tenants · Excess rent →
❓ Frequently asked
Are deposits common in Sweden?
No, on a first-hand lease a deposit is uncommon and there is no statutory deposit scheme. It still happens when subletting, usually 1–2 months' rent, and that money must be paid back when you move out.
How much can be charged for subletting?
The same as the first-hand rent, plus a maximum 15% markup if the flat is furnished, and the actual cost of electricity and broadband. Anything beyond that is excess rent, and a sublet bostadsrätt follows different rent rules.
What do I do if the rent is too high?
Go to the Rent Tribunal, which can order the excess rent repaid up to 24 months back plus interest. The fact that you signed the contract willingly makes no difference — the rent still may not exceed the permitted level.
Do I need permission to sublet?
Yes, you need the landlord's consent or permission from the Rent Tribunal; telling them you are going away is not enough. Bear in mind too that a subtenant gains security of tenure only after living there more than 2 years.
Is it illegal to buy a tenancy contract?
Yes. Buying or selling a tenancy contract is a crime carrying fines or up to 2 years in prison, and 6 months–4 years if gross. The buyer can also lose the tenancy, so the money is effectively gone.
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