Landlords

Permission for subletting – the complete guide

Subletting your home is a smart way to generate additional income while making good use of your property. In most cases, however, you need permission before you can rent it out.

Many people are unsure when permission is required, who must approve the sublet, and which reasons are normally considered valid. The rules also differ depending on the type of property you have, making it important to understand what applies to your specific situation.

In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about permission to sublet an apartment, a rental apartment, a house, or other privately owned properties.

Planning to rent out your home? Create a free listing on Samtrygg and get started today.

Why do you need permission to sublet?

Permission confirms that you are allowed to rent out your home as a sublet. Its purpose is to ensure that the tenancy complies with the rules that apply to your type of property and that both you and your tenant have a secure rental arrangement.

If you rent out your home without the required permission, you may in some cases risk losing your right to the property. It is therefore important to check which rules apply before the rental begins.

When do you need permission?

You normally need permission if you rent out your entire home and no longer live there yourself.

This primarily applies to:

• Apartments in a housing cooperative
• Rental apartments

When is permission not required?

There are situations where permission is normally not required.

Houses and holiday homes

If you own and rent out a house or a holiday home, you generally do not need permission.

Lodgers

If you continue living in the property and rent out a room to a lodger, different rules apply than for subletting. We always recommend checking the rules that apply to your particular housing cooperative before renting out part of your home.

Short stays

If someone stays in your home temporarily for a very limited period without using it as an independent residence, this is generally not considered a sublet. However, if the person uses the property as their own home, the arrangement may be considered a sublet, meaning permission may be required.

How do you obtain permission?

To obtain permission, you will usually need to provide:

• The reason why you want to rent out your home
• Information about who will be renting the property
• The intended rental period

Many housing cooperatives and landlords have their own forms or digital applications for subletting.

Tip: Check which rules apply before you start looking for a tenant. Once you have found a suitable tenant, you can prepare the tenancy agreement and apply for permission at the same time. Samtrygg’s tenancy agreements do not become valid until all required permissions have been obtained and the tenant has moved into the property.

Permission for apartments in housing cooperatives

If you own an apartment in a housing cooperative, you will normally need permission from your housing cooperative before renting it out.

Following the legislative changes that came into effect on 1 July 2026, it has become easier for apartment owners to obtain permission to sublet. Previous sublets should no longer carry the same weight when a housing cooperative assesses a new application. This means that it is generally easier to obtain permission again, even if you have previously had an approved sublet.

Common reasons that are normally accepted include:

• Working in another location
• Studying in another location
• Trying cohabitation with a partner
• An extended stay abroad
• A temporary stay in another location
• Difficulties selling the property
• Renting to a close relative

Permission for rental apartments

If you want to sublet a rental apartment, you need permission from your landlord or, in some cases, from the Rent Tribunal. To obtain permission, you must normally have a valid reason.

Common examples include:

Working or studying in another location

If you are temporarily working or studying elsewhere, you can normally obtain permission to sublet during that period.

Trying cohabitation with a partner

Moving in with a partner to see how living together works is a common reason that is often approved.

Living abroad

If you are going abroad for work, studies or an extended stay, you can normally obtain permission to sublet your home.

Illness or care

If you need to stay in a hospital or another care facility for a period of time, this may also be considered a valid reason.

What information do you need to provide about the tenant?

In some cases, your housing cooperative or landlord may ask for information about the prospective tenant.

It is therefore common for a subletting application to include:

• Full name
• Personal identity number
• Contact details

At Samtrygg, we verify all tenants before the tenancy agreement is signed. As part of our rental process, we also carry out a credit check to help create a safer rental experience.

What happens if your application is rejected?

If your application for permission is rejected, you can often have the decision reviewed by the Rent Tribunal.

The Rent Tribunal will then make an independent assessment based on:

• Your reasons for subletting
• The intended rental period
• Any objections raised by the housing cooperative or landlord

How long are you allowed to sublet?

How long you are allowed to sublet depends on your individual circumstances and on who grants the permission. Permission is most commonly granted for six or twelve months. If you still need to rent out your home after that period, you can often apply for an extension. Each application is assessed individually.

What happens if you sublet without permission?

Subletting without the required permission can have serious consequences.

You may risk:

• Losing your rental contract
• Losing your right to your apartment in a housing cooperative
• Disputes with your housing cooperative or landlord

For this reason, we always recommend making sure that all necessary permissions are in place before your tenant moves in.

How Samtrygg helps you through the process

Every year, Samtrygg helps thousands of landlords rent out their homes safely and securely.

When you create a listing with us, we can help you with:

• Finding the right tenant
• Tenant screening and verification
• Legally reviewed tenancy agreements
• Rent guarantee for up to 12 months
• Rental insurance
• Ongoing support throughout the entire rental period

We also speak with every landlord before a property is published and can help explain the rules that apply to subletting permissions and the rental process.

FAQ – frequently asked questions about permission to sublet

Do I always need permission to sublet my home?

No. If you are subletting an apartment in a housing cooperative or a rental apartment, you will normally need permission. If you are renting out a privately owned house or holiday home, permission is generally not required.

Who grants permission to sublet?

For apartments in housing cooperatives, permission is normally granted by the housing cooperative. For rental apartments, you apply to your landlord, and in some cases the Rent Tribunal can review your application.

What happens if I sublet without permission?

Subletting without the required permission can have serious consequences. If you sublet a rental apartment without permission, you may lose your first-hand tenancy. If you sublet an apartment in a housing cooperative without permission, the housing cooperative may, in some cases, take legal action.

How long is a subletting permission valid?

Permission is usually granted for a limited period, most commonly six or twelve months. If you need to continue subletting after that period, you can normally apply for an extension.

When should I apply for permission?

It is a good idea to apply as soon as you know that you want to rent out your home. Many landlords start looking for a tenant while their application for permission is being processed. Please note that Samtrygg’s tenancy agreements do not become valid until all required permissions have been obtained and the tenant has moved into the property.

Summary

In most cases, you need permission before subletting an apartment in a housing cooperative or a rental apartment. The rules that apply depend on the type of property you have and the reason for the sublet. Since 1 July 2026, the rules for private rentals have become more flexible, making it easier for many apartment owners to obtain permission to sublet.

By making sure that all required permissions are in place before the rental begins, you reduce the risk of future issues and create the conditions for a safe and successful rental.

Create a free listing on Samtrygg and get help throughout the entire rental process – from finding a tenant and preparing the tenancy agreement to rental protection and ongoing support.

Last updated 6 July 2026