Subletting your student apartment or private home in Sweden is subject to specific laws. Depending on the type of housing, different regulations apply. Understanding these rules protects you as a landlord and ensures your subtenants are treated fairly.

Subletting vs. Having a Lodger

It is important to distinguish between subletting (andrahand) and having a lodger (inneboende).

  • Subletting: You rent out the entire apartment and do not live there yourself. This requires permission from your landlord or housing company.
  • Lodger: you rent out a room while you continue to live in the apartment. This does not require permission.
  1. The Rent Act (Hyreslagen): Applies to rental apartments (hyresrätter). It is Chapter 12 of the Land Code (Jordabalken).
  2. The Private Rental Act (Privatuthyrningslagen): Applies when you rent out a home you own (bostadsrätt or villa).

Subletting a Rental Apartment (Hyresrätt)

  • Permission: You must have consent from your landlord or the Regional Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden).
  • Rent Level: You may only charge the same rent that you pay.
  • Furniture Surcharge: If the apartment is furnished, you can add a maximum of 10–15% to the base rent.
  • Utilities: You can charge for actual costs of electricity, broadband, and water.
  • Responsibility: You remain legally responsible for ensuring the rent is paid to the primary landlord.

Subletting a Condominium (Bostadsrätt)

  • Permission: You need approval from your housing association (bostadsrättsföreningen). They may charge a small fee for processing the sublet.
  • Rent Level: The rent should be cost-based (covering your operating costs and a reasonable return on the home’s market value).
  • Termination Notice: Under the Private Rental Act, the tenant has a 1-month notice period, while the landlord has a 3-month notice period.

Important Considerations

  • Taxes: Rental income may be taxable. Any surplus must be reported in your annual tax return to Skatteverket.
  • Insurance: Your home insurance remains your responsibility. You should ensure it covers subletting and encourage your tenant to take out their own home insurance policy.
  • Written Agreements: Always use a written contract. You can find templates here.

Source: KOMBO Subletting Information

MH

M. Habibie

Founder of Apartly.se

M. Habibie is the founder of Apartly.se, a dedicated guide designed to help students understand and compare student housing platforms in Sweden.