Landlords Tenants

What should a tenancy agreement include? A guide to rental agreements and subletting contracts

A clear tenancy agreement is one of the most important elements of a secure sublet. Whether you are renting out a privately owned apartment, a rental apartment, a house or a holiday home, a well-drafted agreement helps both the landlord and the tenant avoid misunderstandings and establish clear expectations from the outset.

In this guide, we explain what a tenancy agreement should include, which rules apply when subletting, and what you should consider before signing the agreement.

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

Before you write a tenancy agreement

Before preparing a tenancy agreement, it is important to make sure that you have the right to rent out your home.

Privately owned apartment

If you are renting out a privately owned apartment, you will generally need permission from your condominium association.

Common reasons that are usually accepted include:

• Working or studying in another location
• Trial cohabitation with a partner
• An extended stay abroad
• Temporary work in another location

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

If you are renting out a 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).

Common reasons may include:

• Working or studying in another location
• Trial cohabitation with a partner
• An extended stay abroad
• Special family circumstances

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

House and holiday home

If you are renting out a house or a holiday home that you own, no permission is generally required.

Screen the tenant before signing the agreement

Choosing the right tenant is just as important as having a well-drafted tenancy agreement. Before the agreement is signed, it is therefore advisable to verify the tenant’s identity, check references and assess their ability to pay.

At Samtrygg, identity verification and credit checks are carried out before the tenancy agreement is signed. Every year, we help thousands of landlords find the right tenant and complete a secure rental. In addition, every rental is covered by a rent guarantee for up to 12 months and Sweden’s most comprehensive rental insurance.

What should a tenancy agreement include?

A tenancy agreement should always include essential information about both the parties and the rental.

Landlord and tenant information

• Full name
• Personal identity number
• Address
• Telephone number
• Email address

Information about the home

• Full address
• Type of home
• Number of rooms
• Whether the home is furnished

Rent and payment terms

The agreement should clearly state:

• Monthly rent
• What is included in the rent
• Payment due date
• Payment method

If costs such as electricity, broadband, parking or TV services are included in the rent, this should be clearly specified in the agreement.

Rental period

The tenancy agreement should specify:

• Start date
• End date, if the agreement is for a fixed term
• Whether the agreement is open-ended

If the agreement is for a fixed term, it should also clearly state that the tenancy will remain in effect for the agreed rental period.

Notice period

The notice period should always be clearly stated in the tenancy agreement.

For private rentals, the general rule is a notice period of three calendar months for both the landlord and the tenant. Different notice rules may still apply to tenancy agreements entered into before the current legislation came into force.

If the agreement is for a fixed term, it will generally remain in effect for the agreed rental period. In most cases, the notice period only becomes relevant when the agreement expires, as the landlord cannot normally terminate a fixed-term tenancy agreement before the end of the agreed rental period.

Other terms

It is also advisable to specify:

• Whether the home is rented furnished or unfurnished
• Any house rules
• How the keys will be handed over
• Responsibility for furniture and inventory
• Any additional agreements between the parties

The clearer the agreement is from the outset, the lower the risk of misunderstandings later on.

Digital tenancy agreements simplify the process

Today, many landlords and tenants choose to use digital tenancy agreements and electronic signatures.

The benefits include:

• Faster processing
• Clear documentation
• Easy access to the agreement
• Secure signing for both parties

All tenancy agreements on Samtrygg are signed digitally, and the documentation is stored in one place throughout the rental period. Our agreements are drafted by legal experts and are continuously updated whenever legislation changes.

Legally drafted tenancy agreements from Samtrygg

Writing your own tenancy agreement may seem straightforward, but even small mistakes can have significant consequences if a dispute arises.

At Samtrygg, we use legally drafted tenancy agreements tailored to both the current legislation and the type of home being rented out. The agreements are continuously updated as the regulations evolve, helping both landlords and tenants create a secure rental from the very beginning.

Frequently asked questions about tenancy agreements

Does a tenancy agreement have to be in writing?

No. A tenancy agreement can be made verbally. However, a written tenancy agreement is always recommended, as it clearly sets out the rights and obligations of both parties and reduces the risk of future disputes.

What should always be included in a tenancy agreement?

A tenancy agreement should include information about the landlord and tenant, the home being rented out, the amount of rent, what is included in the rent, the rental period, the notice period, and any additional terms agreed between the parties.

Can I write my own tenancy agreement?

Yes, but it is important that the agreement is tailored to the type of home being rented out and complies with current legislation. A legally drafted tenancy agreement reduces the risk of ambiguity and disputes.

What applies to fixed-term tenancy agreements?

As a general rule, a fixed-term tenancy agreement remains in effect for the entire agreed rental period. The landlord cannot normally terminate the agreement before the end of the agreed term, giving the tenant greater security throughout the rental period.

How can Samtrygg help me?

When you rent out your home through Samtrygg, you receive legally drafted tenancy agreements, digital signing, tenant screening, a rent guarantee and rental insurance. We support you throughout the entire rental process, from creating your listing to the tenant moving out.

Summary

A good tenancy agreement should clearly specify who is renting the home, which home is being rented out, the amount of rent, the rental period, and the terms that apply during the tenancy. The clearer the agreement is from the outset, the lower the risk of misunderstandings later on.

Since 2013, Samtrygg has helped thousands of landlords and tenants complete secure rentals across Sweden. When you rent out your home through Samtrygg, you benefit from tenant screening, legally drafted tenancy agreements, digital signing, a rent guarantee and rental insurance.

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

Last updated 8 July 2026.