A first-hand rental is worth its weight in gold in Sweden's big cities – so what do you do if you want to move without losing that security? There are two legal routes: swap apartments or transfer the lease. Both require following the rules. Here's the 2026 guide.
Apartment swap – trade with someone else
An apartment swap means trading your rental for someone else's home. It's allowed, but requires the landlord's consent. If the landlord says no, you can apply for permission from the rent tribunal, which approves the swap if you have:
- Noteworthy reasons to swap (e.g. work, family, finances or needing more/less space), and
- normally have lived in the apartment for a certain time (often at least a year), and
- the swap isn't a significant disadvantage to the landlord.
The swap must not happen in exchange for payment. Paying or taking payment "under the table" for a lease is illegal and can cost you the apartment – and lead to prosecution.
Transfer to a close relative
You can transfer your lease to a close relative (e.g. partner, child or parent) you have lived with on a lasting basis. This also requires the landlord's consent, or the tribunal's permission if refused. Usual requirements:
- You have cohabited on a lasting basis (often at least three years, shorter for a partner).
- The person taking over has good conduct and ability to pay.
Step by step
- or the relative who will take over.
