Landlords

Renting out part of your home – lodger or subletting?

If you have a separate part of your house or apartment that you would like to rent out, it can be a great way to generate extra income while making better use of your living space. This could be a room, a basement apartment, an Attefall house or a separate section of a house.

A common question is which rules apply and whether the arrangement is considered having a lodger or subletting. The distinction is important because it affects which rules apply, which rental agreement you should use and whether you need permission before renting out your home.

Lodger or subletting?

One of the first things you need to determine before renting out all or part of your home is what type of rental arrangement it is. This affects, among other things, which rental agreement you should use and whether you need permission.

As a general rule, it is considered having a lodger if you continue living in the home while sharing it with someone else. If, on the other hand, you rent out the entire home or a self-contained part of it without living there yourself, the arrangement is generally considered a sublet.

When is someone considered a lodger?

A lodger is someone who rents one or more rooms in a home where you continue to live.

Examples include:

• A bedroom in an apartment
• A room in a house
• Part of a home where the kitchen and other common areas are shared with you as the landlord

Because you continue living in the home and share certain areas with the lodger, this is generally not considered subletting.

When is it considered subletting?

If you do not continue living in the part of the home being rented out, the arrangement is generally considered a sublet.

If the rented area has its own kitchen, private entrance or otherwise functions as a self-contained home, this is also a strong indication that the rules on subletting apply.

Examples include:

• A separate rental unit in a house
• A basement with its own entrance
• An Attefall house
• A section of an apartment with its own kitchen and private entrance

In these situations, the tenant occupies the home more independently, which generally means that the rules on subletting apply.

Not sure which type of rental arrangement applies to your home? Create a free listing on Samtrygg and we’ll be happy to help.

Do you need permission?

The distinction between having a lodger and subletting is important because different rules apply depending on the type of rental arrangement.

If you rent to a lodger

If you rent out a room or part of your home while continuing to live there yourself, the arrangement is generally considered having a lodger.

If you live in an apartment or a tenancy apartment, we recommend that you always check the rules with your housing cooperative or landlord before renting out part of your home.

If you sublet your home

If the arrangement is considered a sublet, you will generally need permission if you are renting out an apartment or a tenancy apartment.

• If you own an apartment, you will usually need approval from your housing cooperative.
• If you rent a tenancy apartment, you will usually need permission from your landlord. If permission is denied, you may in some cases apply to the Swedish Rent Tribunal.
• If you rent out part of a house or an Attefall house located on your own property, no permission is normally required under Swedish law.

Read more in our guide to permission for subletting.

Choose the right rental agreement

No matter what type of rental arrangement you are planning, it is important to use the right rental agreement. A clear agreement reduces the risk of misunderstandings and helps both landlord and tenant understand their rights and responsibilities throughout the tenancy.

When you rent out your home through Samtrygg, you’ll have access to legally prepared rental agreements tailored to the type of rental arrangement you choose.

How Samtrygg can help

Since 2013, Samtrygg has helped thousands of landlords rent out houses, apartments, rooms and self-contained rental units safely and successfully.

We can help you with:

• Marketing your home
• Tenant screening and verification
• Identity verification and credit checks
• Legally prepared rental agreements
• Rent guarantee for up to 12 months
• Rental insurance
• Personal support throughout the entire rental process

With experience from thousands of completed rentals, we can help you understand the rules that apply and get started with your rental in a safe and straightforward way.

Curious how much you could rent out your home for? Try our rent calculator!

Frequently asked questions about renting out a self-contained rental unit

Is a self-contained rental unit always considered a sublet?

No. If you continue living in the home and share it with the person renting from you, the arrangement is generally considered having a lodger. If, on the other hand, you rent out the entire home or part of it without living there yourself, it is generally considered a sublet.

Do I need permission to rent out a self-contained rental unit?

It depends on the type of rental arrangement. If the rental is considered a sublet, you will generally need permission if you are renting out an apartment or a rental apartment. If you are renting out part of your own house or an Attefall house on your property, no permission is normally required by law.

Can a lodger have a separate entrance or private bathroom?

Yes. Having a separate entrance or a private bathroom does not automatically mean that the arrangement is considered a sublet. The assessment is based on how the home is used as a whole and whether you continue living in the home yourself.

Which rental agreement should I use?

That depends on whether you are renting to a lodger or subletting the home. As different rules apply to different types of rental arrangements, it is important to use a rental agreement that is appropriate for your specific situation.

How can Samtrygg help me?

Samtrygg supports you throughout the entire rental process – from determining what type of rental arrangement applies to providing legally prepared rental agreements, tenant verification and secure rental management.

Summary

If you rent out a room or part of your home while continuing to live there yourself, the arrangement is generally considered having a lodger. If, however, you rent out the entire home or part of it without living there yourself, it is generally considered a sublet.

If the rented area also functions as a self-contained home, for example, by having its own kitchen or separate entrance, this also indicates that the rules for subletting apply.

As different rules apply depending on the type of rental arrangement, it is important to use the correct rental agreement and ensure that any required permissions are in place before the tenancy begins.

Looking to rent out a self-contained rental unit, a room or a separate home? Create a free listing on Samtrygg and get started today.

Last updated 8 July 2026