Renting an Apartment in Sweden – Complete Guide for Expats

Moving to Sweden and looking for an apartment? Welcome to one of Europe's most challenging housing markets — but also one of the most regulated and tenant-friendly once you understand how it works.

This guide explains everything you need to know about renting in Sweden: how the market works, what second-hand rentals are, what your contract should include and what your rights are as a tenant.

Quick overview:

• First-hand contracts have queues of 8–20 years in major cities — not realistic for newcomers
• Second-hand rentals are the fastest and most common solution for expats
• Always get a written contract — verbal agreements are nearly impossible to enforce
• Never pay a deposit before seeing the apartment and signing a contract
• BankID verification is standard on reputable platforms — protects you from fraud

How the Swedish housing market works

Sweden has two main types of rental housing:

First-hand rentals (förstahand) — you rent directly from a housing company or landlord. These come with strong tenant protection and regulated rents. The downside: the queue for a first-hand contract in Stockholm is 8–20 years. In Gothenburg and Malmö, queues are shorter but still substantial.

Second-hand rentals (andrahand) — you rent from a private person who holds the first-hand contract and is temporarily leaving their apartment. This is how most expats, international students and newcomers find housing in Sweden. There is no queue — you apply directly and can move in within weeks.

Room rentals / shared apartments (inneboende) — you rent a room in someone's home and share common areas like the kitchen and bathroom. The most affordable option in expensive cities. The landlord typically lives in the apartment as well.

Finding an apartment in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö

Sweden's three largest cities have very different housing markets:

Stockholm is the most competitive. Demand is enormous and rents on the second-hand market reflect this. A studio in the city center costs 13,000–16,000 SEK/month. In the suburbs (Söderort, Norrort), prices drop to 9,000–12,500 SEK/month.

Gothenburg has a somewhat less pressured market. A studio in central Gothenburg costs 10,000–14,000 SEK/month on the second-hand market.

Malmö is generally the most affordable of the three major cities. Expect to pay 8,000–12,000 SEK/month for a studio centrally.

Lund has a tight student market due to Lund University. Most rentals go quickly, especially at the start of semester.

What is a second-hand rental?

A second-hand rental (andrahandsuthyrning) means the person renting to you holds the primary lease from the building owner — they are temporarily subletting their apartment to you.

Important things to know: The landlord (the person renting to you) must have permission from their housing company or building owner to sublet. Ask to see this permission in writing. Without it, the sublet is illegal — and you could be asked to leave on short notice even if you have paid rent.

Your rental agreement is with the private person, not the housing company. This means you have fewer automatic protections than a first-hand tenant, but Swedish law still gives you significant rights.

What should your rental contract include?

Always sign a written contract before paying anything. A Swedish rental contract (hyresavtal) should include:

The parties — full names and Swedish personal ID numbers (personnummer) or passport numbers if you don't have a personnummer yet.

The apartment — full address, apartment number, and a description of what is included (furniture, appliances).

Rental period — clear start date and end date, or whether it runs indefinitely (tillsvidare).

Rent and what is included — exact monthly amount, due date and what is covered: electricity, internet, water, furniture, parking.

Deposit — amount (typically 1–3 months' rent) and conditions for repayment. Standard is within 30 days after moving out.

Notice period — how much notice you need to give if you want to move out. For apartments rented under Swedish private rental law (bostadsrätt/villa), the tenant always has 1 month's notice. For second-hand rentals of rented apartments (hyresrätt), you have a maximum of 3 months.

Your rights as a tenant in Sweden

Swedish law provides strong tenant protections — even for second-hand renters.

Right to notice period. You cannot be forced to leave without proper notice — minimum 1 month for apartments rented under private rental law, up to 3 months for second-hand rentals of rented apartments.

Right to a habitable apartment. The apartment must be in acceptable condition. If there are serious defects, you can report them to the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden).

Right to your private space. The landlord cannot enter your apartment without your permission, except in genuine emergencies.

Protection against unreasonable rent. If you are renting a second-hand apartment (hyresrätt) and paying more than the landlord's own rent plus 15% furniture surcharge, you may be able to claim back the difference from the Rent Tribunal — retroactively up to 2 years.

Deposit — what you need to know

The deposit (deposition) is a security payment, typically 1–3 months' rent, paid at the start of the tenancy.

Critical rules:

• Never pay the deposit before seeing the apartment in person
• Never pay before signing a written contract
• Always get a written receipt
• The deposit must be returned within 30 days of moving out (standard practice)
• Deductions are only allowed for damages beyond normal wear and tear

Paying a deposit before a viewing and without a contract is the most common form of housing fraud in Sweden. If a landlord asks for this — walk away.

Moving to Sweden without a personnummer

Many expats arrive in Sweden before they have a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer). This can complicate renting because many landlords and platforms require it.

Practical options:

• Use your passport as identification initially
• Ask your employer for a letter confirming your employment and salary
• Use platforms like Homii where BankID-verification is available but not always mandatory for initial contact
• Contact your university's international office if you are a student — many have housing resources for international students

Once you have your personnummer (typically issued after registering at Skatteverket), the process becomes significantly easier.

Avoiding rental fraud

Rental fraud is unfortunately common in Sweden's high-demand housing market. Protect yourself:

Red flags:

• Landlord is abroad and cannot show the apartment in person
• Pressure to pay quickly "before someone else takes it"
• Request for payment via Western Union or to foreign bank accounts
• Rent significantly below market rate
• No written contract offered

Always:

• See the apartment in person or via live video call before paying anything
• Verify the landlord's identity — BankID verification is the gold standard in Sweden
• Check that the sublet is authorized by the building owner
• Sign a written contract before any payment

Read more: Avoid rental fraud in Sweden

Rental costs in Sweden — overview

Frequently asked questions

How do I find an apartment to rent in Sweden? The fastest way is the second-hand market. Use verified platforms like Homii where landlords are BankID-verified. First-hand contracts have queues of 8–20 years in major cities.

What is a second-hand rental in Sweden? You rent from a private person who holds the primary lease and is temporarily subletting. It is legal and common — the landlord must have permission from their housing company.

What should a rental contract include? Names and ID numbers, apartment address, rental period, exact rent and what is included, deposit terms and notice period. Always get a written contract.

How much does it cost to rent in Stockholm? A studio in the city center: 13,000–16,000 SEK/month. Suburbs: 9,000–12,500 SEK/month. Room in shared apartment: 6,500–9,000 SEK/month centrally.

What is a deposit (deposition) in Sweden? A security payment of 1–3 months' rent. Returned within 30 days after moving out minus documented damages. Never pay before seeing the apartment and signing a contract.

Can I rent without a personnummer? Yes, though it is more difficult. Use passport ID, employer letter and platforms that accept international identification. Apply for personnummer at Skatteverket as soon as you arrive.

What are my rights as a tenant in Sweden? Right to notice period (1–3 months), right to habitable apartment, right to privacy and protection against unreasonable rent. Swedish tenant law is strong even for second-hand renters.