How long can you rent out your home?

How long you can rent out your home depends on the type of property you own and whether you need permission to rent it out. There is no general legal time limit for how long you may rent out a home. Instead, the permitted rental period depends on the type of property, the approvals required, and the circumstances of your specific situation.

The rules differ depending on whether you are renting out an apartment, a rental apartment, or a privately owned property such as a house or holiday home. In this guide, we explain how long you can rent out different types of homes, what permissions are required, and which notice periods apply.

How long can you rent out an apartment?

There is no statutory time limit for how long you can rent out an apartment. However, you will normally need approval from your housing association before subletting.

Many housing associations grant permission to sublet for 6 or 12 months at a time. If you need to continue renting out your apartment, you can usually apply for an extension.

Common reasons that can normally justify permission include:

Working or studying in another location
Moving in with a partner on a trial basis
An extended stay abroad
Temporary work in another location

Previous sublets should generally be given less weight when a housing association assesses a new application to sublet. This can improve your chances of obtaining permission if you need to rent out your apartment again.

How long can you rent out a rental apartment?

If you have a rental apartment, you need permission from your landlord or, in some cases, the Rent Tribunal before subletting.

There is no fixed legal time limit for how long a rental apartment may be sublet. Permission is typically granted for a limited period based on the reason for the subletting.

Common reasons that can normally justify permission include:

Working in another location
Studying in another location
Moving in with a partner on a trial basis
An extended stay abroad
Special family circumstances

If you wish to continue subletting after your permit expires, you will usually need to apply for an extension.

How long can you rent out a house or holiday home?

If you rent out a house, a holiday home, or another privately owned property, there is generally no legal limit on how long you may rent it out. You also do not normally need permission to rent out these types of properties. However, it is still important to comply with the rules that apply to private rentals.

Even though the rules are more flexible, it is always important to have a clear tenancy agreement that specifies the rental period, rent, and notice period.

Do you need permission to rent out your home?

That depends on the type of property you are renting out.

Apartment

You will normally need approval from your housing association before subletting your apartment.

Rental apartment

You need permission from your landlord or the Rent Tribunal.

House or holiday home

If you are renting out your own house or holiday home, you normally do not need permission.

What notice periods apply?

For private rentals, the general rule is that both landlords and tenants have a three-calendar-month notice period.

Apartments, houses and holiday homes

For private rentals of apartments, houses and holiday homes, the standard notice period is three calendar months for both landlords and tenants. Different notice periods may still apply to older agreements.

Rental apartments

For rental apartments, the standard notice period is three calendar months for both the landlord and the tenant. In certain situations, the parties may agree on different terms, provided they comply with applicable legislation.

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FAQ – Common questions about how long you can rent out your home

How long can I rent out my apartment?

There is no statutory time limit, but housing associations often grant permission for 6 or 12 months at a time. If you still need to rent out your apartment after that period, you can usually apply for an extension.

How long can I rent out a rental apartment?

That depends on the reason for the subletting. Permission is usually granted for a limited period and can often be extended.

Is there a time limit for renting out a house?

No. If you are renting out a privately owned house or holiday home, there is generally no statutory time limit.

Can I apply to extend my subletting permission?

Yes. If you have an apartment or a rental apartment and need to continue subletting after your permit expires, you can often apply for an extension. The decision is based on the reason for the subletting.

Do I need a new permit if I change tenants?

In many cases, yes. If the circumstances of the subletting change—for example, if you change tenants or want to extend the rental period—you may need to apply for a new or updated permit.

Summary

How long you can rent out your home depends on the type of property you own and whether the rental requires permission. For both apartments and rental apartments, permission is typically granted for a limited period, while privately owned houses and holiday homes can generally be rented out without a statutory time limit.

Regardless of the type of property you are renting out, it is important to obtain the necessary permissions, use a clear tenancy agreement, and understand the rules that apply to notice periods and private rentals.

Ready to take the next step?
Now that you understand the rules, the next step is finding the right tenant. Samtrygg supports you throughout the entire rental process—from advertising and tenant screening to tenancy agreements, rent guarantee, and rental insurance.

Create a free listing and get started today.

Last updated 6 July 2026