Renting out your apartment – how to prepare

Before publishing your listing, it’s worth considering a few important questions:

• How long do you want to rent out your apartment?
• Will it be furnished or unfurnished?
• Do you need permission to rent it out?
• What is a reasonable rent?
• How do you find a reliable tenant?

The better prepared you are from the start, the smoother the rental process will be.

Since 2013, Samtrygg has helped thousands of landlords rent out their homes safely and securely. We assist with everything from tenant screening to legally drafted tenancy agreements and support throughout the entire rental period.

Permission for subletting

In most cases, you need permission before subletting a tenant-owned apartment or a rental apartment. We recommend checking the rules with your housing cooperative or landlord early in the process before you begin preparing your rental.

In many cases, the formal application is submitted only after you have found a tenant, which is why many landlords advertise their apartment before applying for permission.

With Samtrygg, you can create a free listing and start receiving tenant applications while preparing your permit application.

Read more in our guide to subletting permits.

Renting out a tenant-owned apartment

If you own a tenant-owned apartment, you will usually need approval from your housing cooperative before renting it out.

Common reasons that are often approved include:

• Working or studying in another location
• Moving in with a partner on a trial basis
• An extended stay abroad
• Temporary work in another city
• Renting to a close relative
• Difficulty selling the apartment

When the housing cooperative reviews a subletting application, previous subletting periods should carry less weight. The assessment should instead focus primarily on your current circumstances and the reasons for the rental.

Many housing cooperatives grant permission for between six and twelve months at a time, with the possibility of applying for an extension. If your application is denied, you can apply to the Swedish Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) to have the decision reviewed.

Renting a room in your tenant-owned apartment

If you rent out a room while continuing to live in the apartment yourself, this is generally considered having a lodger rather than subletting. However, the assessment may vary depending on how the apartment is used, and different housing cooperatives may have different views on such arrangements. For that reason, we recommend contacting your housing cooperative before renting out part of your home.

Renting out a rental apartment

If you rent a rental apartment, you will normally need permission from your landlord. If permission is denied, you may in some cases apply to the Swedish Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden).

Common reasons that are often accepted include:

• Working or studying in another location
• An extended stay abroad
• Moving in with a partner on a trial basis
• Caring for a close relative
• Temporary family circumstances
• Illness or a stay in a care facility

If your landlord rejects your application, you may apply to the Swedish Rent Tribunal for permission.

It is important not to sublet without the required permission, as doing so may, in some cases, result in the loss of your first-hand tenancy.

How much rent can you charge?

The rules depend on the type of apartment you are renting out.

Tenant-owned apartment

Tenant-owned apartments are covered by the Swedish Private Subletting Act. The law gives landlords greater freedom to set the rent based on market demand, while still protecting tenants against substantially excessive rents.

The rent is influenced by factors such as:

• Location
• Size
• Standard and condition
• Furnishing
• Market demand
• Whether utilities such as electricity or broadband are included

Rental apartment

When subletting a rental apartment, the rent should generally correspond to the rent you pay yourself. If the apartment is furnished, or if costs such as electricity, broadband or parking are included, certain additions may be allowed.

Get help finding the right rent

Since 2013, Samtrygg has helped thousands of landlords rent out their homes. Our rent calculator is based on data from thousands of completed rentals and provides an estimate of a reasonable rent based on similar properties in your area.

Try our rent calculator and see what your apartment could be rented out for.

How to find the right tenant

Choosing the right tenant is one of the most important parts of a successful rental.

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

• Exposure to thousands of people looking for housing
• Tenant screening and identity verification
• Credit checks
• Legally drafted tenancy agreements
• Digital signing

You always decide who you want to rent your apartment to.

Tenancy agreement and important documents

Once you have found a tenant, it is important to prepare a clear tenancy agreement.

We also recommend using:

• An inventory list
• A move-in inspection report
• A key receipt

These documents reduce the risk of misunderstandings and make it easier to handle any issues that may arise during the rental period.

With Samtrygg, you have access to legally drafted tenancy agreements and supporting documents that comply with current legislation.

Notice periods

The notice period depends on the type of property you are renting out.

Tenant-owned apartment

For tenant-owned apartments, houses and other privately owned homes, the general rule under the Swedish Private Subletting Act is a three-calendar-month notice period for both the landlord and the tenant.

Rental apartment

When subletting a rental apartment, the general rule is also a three-calendar-month notice period for both the landlord and the tenant.

Different notice period rules may still apply to older tenancy agreements entered into before the current legislation came into force. Always check the terms of your tenancy agreement.

Why rent out your home through Samtrygg?

Since 2013, Samtrygg has helped thousands of landlords and tenants across Sweden.

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

• Tenant screening and identity verification
• Legally drafted tenancy agreements
• Rent guarantee for up to 12 months
• Rental insurance
• Personal support throughout the entire rental period
• Secure handling of rent payments

Frequently asked questions about subletting an apartment

Do I need permission to sublet my apartment?

Yes. If you are subletting a tenant-owned apartment or a rental apartment, you will generally need permission before the rental begins.

How much rent can I charge?

That depends on the type of property you are renting out. Tenant-owned apartments are covered by the Swedish Private Subletting Act, while rental apartments are subject to the rules on reasonable rent and the utility value principle.

How do I find a reliable tenant?

By verifying the tenant’s identity, checking references and assessing their ability to pay before signing the tenancy agreement. With Samtrygg, identity verification and credit checks are included.

Do I need a tenancy agreement?

Yes. A written tenancy agreement clearly defines the rights and obligations of both parties and helps prevent misunderstandings and future disputes.

How can Samtrygg help me?

Samtrygg supports you throughout the entire rental process—from advertising and pricing your home to tenant screening, legally drafted tenancy agreements, digital signing, rent guarantee and rental insurance.

Summary

Subletting your apartment can be a flexible and secure way to keep your home while earning rental income. By obtaining the necessary permissions, setting a reasonable rent and choosing a reliable tenant, you can create the right conditions for a successful rental.

Create a free listing on Samtrygg and start renting out your apartment today.