---
title: "Swapping Apartments and Transferring a Lease in Sweden 2026"
author: "Esther Asmundsson"
authorUrl: "https://bofrid.se/en/articles/authors/EstherAsmundsson"
datePublished: "2026-06-23T10:00:00.000Z"
dateModified: "2026-06-23T08:40:04Z"
description: "Rules for apartment swaps and lease transfers in Sweden 2026. When is landlord consent required and what does the rent tribunal do? Complete guide."
categories: ["Guider", "Hyresgäst"]
canonical: "https://bofrid.se/en/articles/apartment-swap-lease-transfer-sweden-2026"
language: "en"
---

# Swapping Apartments and Transferring a Lease in Sweden 2026

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

1. **Find a swap partner** or the relative who will take over.
2. **Apply in writing** for consent from the landlord, with details of all parties.
3. **Facing a no?** Refer the matter to the rent tribunal. Read more about [the rent tribunal](/en/articles/rent-tribunal-your-rights-as-a-tenant).
4. **Draw up a transfer/swap agreement** and make sure new contracts are issued.

## Common mistakes

- **Moving in before permission exists.** Wait for consent or a decision.
- **Under-the-table payment.** Never worth the risk – you can lose the lease.
- **Unclear documentation.** Settle cleaning, deposit and handover in writing. See our [move-out cleaning checklist](/en/articles/sweden-s-move-out-cleaning-checklist-avoid-common-rental-handover-conflicts).

## The difference from subletting

A swap or transfer means you leave the lease permanently. If you only want to rent out temporarily, that's **subletting** – different rules, separate permission. See [renting out without permission](/en/articles/renting-out-without-permission-avoid-pitfalls-in-sweden).

## Frequently asked questions

**Can the landlord refuse a swap for any reason?**
No. If you have noteworthy reasons and the swap doesn't harm the landlord, the tribunal can grant permission even if the landlord says no.

**Can I charge for my lease?**
No, it's illegal and can cost you the home.

## Summary

You can swap apartments or transfer the lease to a close relative – but always with the landlord's consent or the tribunal's permission, never for under-the-table payment. Follow the rules and you keep the security of a first-hand home. Looking for a new place? [Search on Bofrid](/sok-bostad).