The Permissions You Need When Renting Out a Room in Sweden

Are you thinking of renting out a room in your home in Sweden? If so, congratulations! Renting out a room can be a fantastic way to earn extra income and make the most of your space at home. But before you can start accepting tenants, it’s essential to understand the laws and regulations around room rentals in Sweden.

Don't worry, the process of renting out a room in Sweden is relatively straightforward, and we're here to guide you through it! Here are some key things to keep in mind.

In general, if you own your home (like a villa, or a house) and rent out a room, you do not need any permission, ever. So you can just go ahead and find the perfect roommate! But, if you rent out a room in an apartment (either a rental apartment, or a condominium), it can sometimes be difficult to determine when a permit is required. The problems usually comes when you as a landlord are away for extended periods, because then your tenant may be considered to be using the apartment independently, which would require a permit from your landlord.

If you want to rent out a room in your apartment or house and love a smooth rental process, you can always create a free room ad on Hemavi and avoid any unnecessary stress when finding the best roommate.

So, when do you need a permit to rent out a room in your apartment?

If you live in the apartment yourself and rent out a room, you generally do not need permission from the landlord or housing association. However, as mentioned above, you must use the apartment to a "considerable extent." This means that you should live permanently in your apartment or that you use the apartment as a complement to a home in connection with work or studies. In the latter case, you must live in the apartment at least two to three days a week which is roughly the same as 80 to 100 days per year.

It's important to note the difference between renting out to a resident (sw. inneboende) and subletting. Renting out to a resident means that you let part of your apartment to someone while you live there yourself for at least 80-100 days per year. If the resident uses the apartment independently as described above, it is considered a subletting, which will require approval from your landlord.

Don't Forget to Check Safety Regulations and Home Insurance

As the landlord that is renting out a room, it's important to know that you are responsible for that person, since that person is considered as your tenant, while you are that person's landlord. This means that the tenant should never have any direct contact with your landlord. All communication with to your landlord should be done through you, since you are considered the primary leaseholder of the apartment.

As a landlord, it's also important to understand your responsibilities as a landlord and ensure that you and your tenant have a clear understanding of the terms of the rental agreement. Among other things, it's your responsibility to ensure the room your renting out meets safety regulations. This could include having working smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, and keeping the room clean and free from hazards that could pose a risk to your tenant. Before renting out a room in your home, take some time to review safety procedures and if you need to make any necessary upgrades or changes. This will help you avoid issues while ensuring the safety and well-being of future roommates.

We also recommend you to check with your insurance company if your new roommate needs their own home insurance. The golden rule is that they do, since the rental is considered a sublet and from a legal standpoint, you are not living in a shared household.

The reason for why it's important for you as a landlord to make sure that the tenant is covered by an insurance is easily expained with an exampled. Say that your roommate breaks your new TV, and if the tenant isn't covered by your home insurance, there might be a conflict between you and your tenant on who should pay for the damages. It can easily be avoided if the tenant has its own home insurance. Some home insurance companies offers a tailored home insurance for tenants renting rooms, such as Hedvig, which makes the monthly price very affordable. With our discount code your tenant can get 50% off for the whole first four months. Take part of the offer here.

Are you renting out a room in Sweden?

Check out our Ultimate Guide to Writing a Room Rental Agreement in Sweden – it tells you everything you need to know about room rentals and their lease agreements in Sweden.

Conclusion

Renting out your spare room can be an excellent way to make extra income, but it's essential to do it legally and responsibly. By following the guidelines we've outlined, you can rent out a room and get some company at home, while providing a safe and enjoyable experience for your tenant.

If you want to rent out a room in your apartment or house and love a smooth rental process, you can create a free room ad on Hemavi and avoid unnecessary stress when finding the best roommate.