The high demand for housing sometimes attracts scammers. Renting a full apartment through Bofrid is the safest way to avoid traps, but you should still be aware of the red flags.
1. Never Pay Upfront Outside the Platform
The most common scam involves requesting a deposit via wire transfer or cash before you’ve seen the apartment or signed a contract. Bofrid ensures all payments are handled securely, protecting your funds. Payments should always be made through the platform.
Example of a Scam
Someone posing as a landlord asks you to transfer a deposit of 5000 SEK to "secure" the apartment. After you pay, the person disappears, and you never see the apartment or your money again.
How to Protect Yourself
- Always use secure payment methods: Never pay outside the established platform.
- Be skeptical: If someone pressures you to pay quickly, be extra cautious.
2. Verification is Key
Do not trust anyone who refuses to verify themselves with BankID. On Bofrid, all users are identity-checked, removing the anonymity that scammers rely on. A legitimate landlord will have no problem confirming their identity.
Step-by-Step: Checking Verification
- Request BankID verification: Before proceeding, insist that the landlord verifies their identity.
- Check the profile: Look for verification badges on their profile.
- Watch out for excuses: If the landlord avoids verification, consider it a warning sign.
Why is BankID Important?
BankID is a secure electronic identification widely used in Sweden. Requiring BankID verification reduces the risk of being scammed by someone with a false identity. It's a crucial part of online security in Sweden.
3. Too Good to be True?
If a luxury apartment in a prime location is listed at an impossibly low price, it is likely a scam. Always research the average "fair rent" for the area.
Compare Rents
- Use comparison sites: Visit Hemnet, Booli, or similar sites.
- Filter your search: Enter the area, size, and standard of the apartment.
- See what others are charging: Get an idea of what a reasonable rent is.
Example of an Unrealistic Offer
A newly renovated one-bedroom apartment in Östermalm (a very expensive area in Stockholm) is offered for 6000 SEK per month. The average rent for a similar apartment in that area is closer to 15000 SEK. This discrepancy is a major red flag.
4. Verify Subletting Permission
A legitimate landlord will have no problem confirming they have permission from their housing association (Bostadsrättsförening or Brf) or owner to sublet the entire property. In Sweden, subletting rules are quite strict.
Understanding Subletting Rules in Sweden
In Sweden, most apartments are owned through a housing association (Bostadsrättsförening). Subletting requires permission from the Brf board. Landlords who sublet without permission can face serious consequences, including losing the right to own the apartment.
How to Verify Subletting Permission
- Ask for documentation: Request to see written permission from the Brf.
- Contact the Brf directly: If possible, contact the housing association to verify the landlord's claim. You can usually find contact information on the building's entrance or through online searches.
5. Know Your Rights as a Tenant
Understanding your rights as a tenant in Sweden is crucial. The Swedish rental market is heavily regulated, and tenants have significant protections under the law (Hyreslagen).
Key Tenant Rights in Sweden
- Right to a written contract: You are entitled to a written rental agreement (hyresavtal) that clearly outlines the terms of the tenancy.
- Rent control: Rent increases are regulated, and landlords cannot arbitrarily raise the rent.
- Right to stay: In some cases, you have the right to remain in the apartment even after the lease expires (besittningsskydd), especially if you have lived there for an extended period. This right is more limited for sublets.
- Right to proper notice: Landlords must provide proper notice before terminating the lease.
Where to Find More Information
- Hyresgästföreningen (The Swedish Tenants' Association): This organization provides legal advice and support to tenants. Their website (available in Swedish) is a valuable resource.
- Konsumentverket (The Swedish Consumer Agency): Provides information about consumer rights, including rental agreements.
6. Be Wary of Pressure Tactics
Scammers often use pressure tactics to rush you into making a decision. They may claim that there are many other interested renters and that you need to act immediately to secure the apartment. A legitimate landlord will not pressure you.
Signs of Pressure Tactics
- Urgent requests for payment: Being told you must pay a deposit immediately or risk losing the apartment.
- Limited viewing opportunities: Being given very limited time slots to view the apartment or being discouraged from viewing it at all.
- Refusal to answer questions: Avoiding answering your questions about the apartment or the rental agreement.
7. Use Bofrid's Secure Platform
Bofrid provides a secure platform for finding and renting apartments in Sweden. By using Bofrid, you benefit from:
- Verified landlords: All landlords on Bofrid are verified, reducing the risk of encountering scammers.
- Secure payments: All payments are processed securely through the platform, protecting your money.
- Customer support: Bofrid provides customer support to assist you with any questions or concerns.
FAQ: Rental Scams in Sweden
What is the most common type of rental scam in Sweden?
The most common scam involves requesting a deposit or first month's rent before you have seen the apartment or signed a contract. The "landlord" then disappears with your money.
How can I verify if a landlord is legitimate in Sweden?
- Ask for BankID verification: This is a standard form of identification in Sweden.
- Request documentation: Ask for proof of ownership or permission to sublet from the housing association (Brf).
- Meet in person: If possible, meet the landlord in person to view the apartment and discuss the rental agreement.
What should I do if I think I have been scammed?
- Contact the police: Report the scam to the Swedish police (Polisen).
- Contact your bank: If you have made a payment, contact your bank to see if they can reverse the transaction.
- Report to Bofrid: If you encountered the scammer on Bofrid, report the incident to their customer support team.
Are rental deposits common in Sweden?
Yes, it is common for landlords in Sweden to require a rental deposit (deposition) of one to three months' rent. However, you should never pay a deposit before signing a rental agreement and verifying the landlord's identity.
What is a "skälig hyra" and how do I determine it?
"Skälig hyra" translates to "reasonable rent." In Sweden, rent control laws regulate how much landlords can charge for apartments. To determine if a rent is reasonable, you can compare it to similar apartments in the same area using websites like Hemnet and Booli. You can also contact Hyresgästföreningen for advice.
What if a landlord wants to be paid in cash?
This is a major red flag. Legitimate landlords in Sweden typically prefer electronic payments for record-keeping purposes. Insist on paying through a secure platform or bank transfer.
How does "besittningsskydd" affect my rental agreement?
"Besittningsskydd" is a form of tenant protection in Sweden that gives you the right to renew your lease under certain conditions. However, this protection is often limited in subletting situations or when renting a room in someone's apartment. Understand the terms of your rental agreement regarding besittningsskydd.
By staying informed and cautious, you can navigate the Swedish rental market safely and avoid falling victim to scams.
