Landlords

How to avoid common mistakes when renting out your home

Renting out your home can be a great way to earn extra income while making good use of your home. Although most rentals go smoothly, there are a few common mistakes that can create unnecessary problems along the way.

Since 2013, Samtrygg has helped thousands of landlords rent out their homes safely and securely. In this guide, we cover some of the most common pitfalls when subletting and explain how to avoid them.

Planning to rent out your home? Create a free listing on Samtrygg and get help with everything from setting the right rent and screening tenants to legally drafted tenancy agreements, a rent guarantee and rental insurance.

1. Setting the wrong rent

One of the most common questions landlords have is how much rent they should charge.

For privately owned homes, such as privately owned apartments, houses and holiday homes, there is greater freedom to set the rent based on market demand. At the same time, tenants are still protected against substantially excessive rent.

For rental apartments, specific rules on reasonable rent and the utility value principle still apply.

In addition to complying with the regulations, setting the wrong rent can make your home more difficult to rent out. A rent that is too high may reduce interest from prospective tenants, while a competitive rent often leads to more enquiries, more viewings and a faster rental.

How to avoid this mistake

Use Samtrygg’s Rent Calculator to get an estimate based on statistics from thousands of completed rentals and current market data.

Try our Rent Calculator and see how much you could rent out your home for.
Also read our rental pricing guide if you want to know more about rent setting.

2. Renting out without the required permission

If you are renting out a privately owned apartment or a rental apartment, you will generally need permission before the rental begins.

Privately owned apartment

You will usually need permission from your condominium association.

When the condominium association reviews an application to sublet, previous subletting periods should be given less weight. The assessment should instead focus primarily on your current circumstances and your reasons for renting out the apartment.

Rental apartment

You will generally need permission from your landlord. If permission is denied, you may in some cases apply for approval from the Swedish Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden).

Renting out a rental apartment without the required permission may, in some cases, result in you losing your first-hand tenancy.

How to avoid this mistake

If you are renting out a privately owned apartment or a rental apartment, you will generally need approval from your condominium association or landlord before the rental can begin. It is therefore a good idea to review the requirements early and start the application process well in advance, even though the final approval can often be handled later in the process.

Read more in our guide to permission for subletting.

3. Choosing the wrong tenant

Choosing the right tenant is often the most important factor in a successful rental.

Many landlords focus on who seems the nicest, but it is just as important to verify the tenant’s identity, check references and assess their ability to pay.

How to avoid this mistake

Before signing the tenancy agreement, you should:

• Verify the tenant’s identity
• Check references
• Carry out a credit check
• Make sure the tenant has the ability to pay the rent

At Samtrygg, identity verification and credit checks are carried out before the tenancy agreement is signed. If the tenant later experiences payment difficulties, your rental is covered by a rent guarantee for up to 12 months.

4. Using an inadequate tenancy agreement

An unclear or poorly drafted tenancy agreement can lead to problems if a dispute arises during the rental period.

A tenancy agreement should clearly specify:

• The rent and what is included
• The rental period
• Whether the agreement is fixed-term or open-ended
• The notice period
• Whether the home is furnished or unfurnished
• Any additional terms and conditions

How to avoid this mistake

Always use a legally drafted tenancy agreement that complies with current legislation.

If the agreement is for a fixed term, it should clearly state that the tenancy remains in effect for the agreed rental period. As a general rule, the landlord cannot terminate a fixed-term tenancy agreement before the end of the agreed term.

When you rent out your home through Samtrygg, legally drafted tenancy agreements and digital signing are included as part of the service.

5. Skipping the inspection and documentation

Many problems at the end of a tenancy can be avoided by documenting the condition of the home before the tenant moves in.

How to avoid this mistake

Make sure to prepare:

• An inspection report
• An inventory list
• A key receipt

This makes it clear what was included in the home at the start of the tenancy and reduces the risk of misunderstandings when the tenant moves out. Through Samtrygg, all the necessary documentation is available for a secure rental, including the tenancy agreement, inspection report, inventory list and key receipt.

Why many landlords choose Samtrygg

Every year, Samtrygg helps thousands of landlords complete safe and secure rentals across Sweden.

When you rent out your home through Samtrygg, you benefit from:

• Marketing of your home
• Exposure to thousands of home seekers
• Tenant screening and verification
• Legally drafted tenancy agreements
• Digital signing
• A rent guarantee for up to 12 months
• Rental insurance
• Personal support throughout the entire rental process

Register for free and get started with your rental today.

Frequently asked questions about avoiding mistakes when renting out your home

What is the most common mistake landlords make?

Common mistakes include setting the wrong rent, renting out without the required permission, choosing a tenant without carrying out proper checks, using an inadequate tenancy agreement, or failing to document the condition of the home before the tenant moves in.

Do I always need permission to rent out my home?

No. If you are renting out a privately owned apartment or a rental apartment, you will generally need permission. If you are renting out a house or a holiday home that you own, no permission is generally required.

How do I know if I have set the right rent?

Base your rent on current market conditions and the type of home you are renting out. Samtrygg’s Rent Calculator provides an estimate based on statistics from thousands of completed rentals and current market data.

Should I screen my tenant?

Yes. It is always a good idea to verify the tenant’s identity, check references and carry out a credit check before signing the tenancy agreement.

How can Samtrygg help me?

Samtrygg supports you throughout the entire rental process—from setting the right rent and screening tenants to providing legally drafted tenancy agreements, digital signing, a rent guarantee and rental insurance.

Summary

The most common mistakes when renting out a home include setting the wrong rent, renting out without the required permission, failing to screen tenants, using an unclear tenancy agreement, and not documenting the condition of the home.

By preparing properly and using the right tools, you can reduce risks and create a safe and smooth rental experience for both you and your tenant.

Create a free listing on Samtrygg and get started with your rental today.

Last updated 8 July 2026.