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Housing · Sweden
Updated September 2026

🚫 The letting agent charged me a fee — is that allowed, and who checks?

Direct answer

In most EU countries the agent who works for the landlord cannot charge the tenant a finder's fee, registration fee or "administration costs"; where fees are still allowed they are capped and must be disclosed before you sign. A fee you should not have paid can be reclaimed, usually for years back. Hallå konsument (Konsumentverket) (0771 525 525) takes complaints about agents and can fine them; Hyresgästföreningen (0771 443 443) helps you write the reclaim; Hyresnämnden (domstol.se) decides if the agent refuses.

Call firstHallå konsument (Konsumentverket)
Report toHyresgästföreningen
If that failsHyresnämnden

🗣️ What to say

"On [date] I paid you [amount] as [fee name] for the tenancy of [address]. Under [rule] an agent acting for the landlord may not charge the tenant this fee. I ask for repayment within 14 days to [account]. Otherwise I will refer the matter to Hallå konsument (Konsumentverket)."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Identify who the agent worked forIf the landlord instructed the agent, the fee is the landlord's cost. The listing and the contract usually say.
  2. Ask for the fee back in writingCite the rule, set a deadline. Many agents repay on the first letter.
  3. Report to Hallå konsument (Konsumentverket)Repeated fees are a practice; authorities fine agents and order refunds.
  4. Dispute body: HyresnämndenSmall amounts, no lawyer, and the decision binds a licensed agent.
  5. Deposit and rent-in-advance capsWhile you are at it: deposits and advance rent are capped too, and "key money" is illegal everywhere.

📇 All contacts

Hallå konsument (Konsumentverket)Guidance, templates, municipal consumer advisersWhen the shop refuses📞 0771 525 525🔗 www.hallakonsument.se
HyresgästföreningenAdvice and support for membersBefore you write, on deductions and deadlines📞 0771 443 443🔗 www.hyresgastforeningen.se
HyresnämndenMediation and decisions in tenancy disputes, no lawyerWhen the claim is unpaid after the deadline🔗 www.domstol.se/hyres--och-arrendenamnder
Kronofogden — betalningsföreläggandeA claim without court; if contested it goes to the district courtLast step, with a clear claim🔗 www.kronofogden.se/betalningsforelaggande

❓ Frequently asked

The agent says the fee was for "viewing" or "checks"

Renaming the fee does not change who has to pay it. Any charge to the tenant for finding or arranging the tenancy falls under the ban.

I signed that I agreed to pay it

A clause that contradicts a mandatory law is void. You can still reclaim.

How far back can I claim?

Usually the general limitation period — three to five years in most countries. Hyresgästföreningen knows the exact rule for Sweden.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “letting agent fee illegal Sweden”
  • “reclaim agency fee tenant”
  • “rental agency charges tenant fee allowed”
  • “report letting agent Sweden”
  • “key money illegal”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

🎣Rental scam→🔑Deposit not returned→🔊Noisy neighbours→🔧Landlord won't repair→

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