Glossary of rental and subletting terms

Here you’ll find explanations of common terms related to renting and subletting homes in Sweden. Whether you’re planning to rent out your home or looking for a place to live, our glossary will help you understand the most important terms used in the rental market.

Sublease agreement

A sublease agreement is the contract between the person renting out a home and the person renting it. The agreement sets out the rent, rental period, notice period and other terms and conditions of the tenancy.

Subletting

Subletting means renting out a home that you own or rent to someone else for a limited period. If you are subletting an apartment or a rental apartment, you will normally need permission from your housing association or landlord, respectively.

Security of tenure

Security of tenure means that, in certain situations, a tenant may have the right to remain in the apartment even after the tenancy agreement has been terminated. For private rentals, security of tenure is more limited than in traditional tenancy agreements.

Landlord reference

A landlord reference is a reference provided by a previous landlord to demonstrate that a tenant has taken good care of the apartment and paid their rent on time.

Housing association

A housing association owns the building in which privately owned apartments are located. If you want to sublet your apartment, you will normally need the association’s approval.

Utility value

The utility value is the practical value of a rental apartment from the tenant’s perspective. When assessing the utility value, factors such as the size of the home, layout, standard, location within the building, access to amenities such as a lift and laundry room, and proximity to services and public transport are taken into account. The utility value is used to determine what constitutes a fair rent for a rental apartment.

Utility value principle

The utility value principle is the method used to determine rents for rental apartments in Sweden. The rent should be comparable to that of similar properties and reflect the apartment’s utility value.

This principle applies to rental apartments and differs from the rules governing privately owned homes, such as apartments, houses and holiday homes.

Security deposit

A security deposit is an amount of money paid by the tenant as security against potential damage to the apartment or unpaid rent. The deposit is normally refunded when the tenancy ends and the apartment is returned in the agreed condition.

Primary tenancy agreement

A primary tenancy agreement is a rental agreement between a tenant and a home owner or landlord. In some cases, a tenant with a primary tenancy agreement may obtain permission to sublet the apartment.

Tenancy agreement

A tenancy agreement is the legal document that sets out the terms and conditions between the landlord and the tenant. It should include, among other things:

The rent
The rental period
The notice period
Any special terms and conditions

Rent guarantee

A rent guarantee ensures that the landlord receives compensation even if the tenant fails to pay the rent. Samtrygg offers a rent guarantee for up to 12 months.

Tenant

A tenant is the person who rents a home from a landlord.

Landlord

A landlord is the person or organisation that rents out a home to a tenant.

Lodger

A lodger rents one or more rooms in a home while the landlord continues to live in the home. Different rules apply compared to subletting.

Credit check

A credit check is used to assess a person’s financial situation and ability to pay rent before a tenancy begins.

Private letting

Private letting means that a private individual rents out a home that they own. The Swedish Private Letting Act covers the letting of up to two privately owned homes.

The Swedish Private Letting Act

The Swedish Private Letting Act regulates the letting of privately owned homes, such as apartments, houses and holiday homes. The Act covers the letting of up to two privately owned homes and includes rules on notice periods, security of tenure and rent setting.

Fair rent

A fair rent is a rent that is considered reasonable under the rules that apply to the specific type of apartment. For rental apartments, the assessment is based on the utility value principle. For privately owned homes, rent may be set based on market demand, while tenants remain protected against substantially excessive rents.

Notice period

The notice period is the time between giving notice to terminate a tenancy agreement and the date on which the agreement ends. The applicable notice period depends on the type of accommodation and the legal framework governing the rental.

Rental insurance

Rental insurance provides additional protection against damage that may occur during a tenancy and often complements your standard home insurance.

Viewing

A viewing is an opportunity for prospective tenants to see a home before deciding whether to rent it.

Excessive rent

Excessive rent means that a landlord charges a higher rent than is permitted under the applicable rules.

For rental apartments, tenants may in some cases be entitled to a refund if the rent is found to be too high. For privately owned homes, such as apartments and houses, rent may be set based on market demand, while tenants remain protected against substantially excessive rents.

If you believe you are paying too much rent, you can apply to have the rent reviewed.

Transfer of tenancy

A transfer of tenancy means that the ownership of, or the rights to, a apartment are transferred to another person. Special rules apply to the transfer of tenancy agreements for rental apartments.

Thinking about renting out your home?

Since 2013, Samtrygg has helped thousands of landlords rent out their homes safely and successfully. Through our marketplace, we support you with everything from advertising and tenant verification to legally reviewed tenancy agreements, rent guarantee, rental insurance and personal support throughout the entire rental process.

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

Last updated 10 July 2026.