---
title: "Can you charge a higher deposit for furnished lettings?"
author: "Esther Asmundsson"
authorUrl: "https://bofrid.se/en/articles/authors/EstherAsmundsson"
datePublished: "2026-09-05T07:19:28.934Z"
dateModified: "2026-09-05T07:48:01.163Z"
description: "Can you charge a higher deposit for a furnished let? Read about the rules, reasonable levels and common questions. A guide for both landlords and tenants."
keywords: ["deposit furnished letting", "higher deposit furnished", "deposit rental flat", "reasonable deposit", "deposit private letting"]
categories: ["Guides", "Landlord"]
canonical: "https://bofrid.se/en/articles/can-you-charge-a-higher-deposit-for-furnished-lettings"
language: "en"
image: "https://bofrid.media/cms/f14dc626275544d27b12b4b240902418ed334216.webp"
---

# Can you charge a higher deposit for furnished lettings?

Yes, you may charge a higher deposit for a furnished let, but only if the higher deposit corresponds to an actual increased risk of damage or loss caused by the furniture. A deposit is security for the landlord to cover damage or unpaid rent, and it must be reasonable in relation to the condition and contents of the flat. Under Chapter 12, Section 24 of the Swedish Land Code (jordabalken), the tenant has a duty of care, meaning they must look after the flat and its movable fittings, but the deposit must not be a way for the landlord to demand more money than is justified.

## What is a deposit and what can it cover?

A deposit is a sum of money that the tenant pays in advance as security for fulfilling their obligations under the tenancy agreement. It may be used to cover damage to the flat or its fittings, unpaid rent, or other costs arising from the tenant's breach of contract. The deposit must be repaid when the tenancy ends, unless there are claims to be made.

In furnished lettings, there are more things that can be damaged or lost, which may justify a higher deposit. However, the deposit must not be unreasonably high. The Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) has in several decisions examined what constitutes a reasonable level, and the starting point is that the deposit must be proportionate to the risk.

## How high a deposit is reasonable for furnished lettings?

There is no fixed maximum limit for deposits in law, but practice from the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) shows that a deposit of one to two months' rent is common. For furnished lettings, a higher deposit may be justified, but it should not exceed three months' rent without special reasons. If the landlord demands a deposit that is unreasonably high, the tenant can contest it and have the matter examined by the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden).

## Deposit for furnished lettings – what does the law say?

The law does not directly regulate the size of the deposit, but the general principle of reasonableness in Chapter 12 of the Swedish Land Code (jordabalken) applies. A deposit that is unreasonable can be considered an unfair contract term under Section 36 of the Swedish Contracts Act (avtalslagen). The landlord must also follow good practice in tenancy relationships, which means the deposit must be reasonable and not used as a way to circumvent tenancy legislation.

## What applies to deposits for furnished lettings under the new Private Housing Tenancies Act?

The Act contains no specific rules on deposits, but the general principle that contract terms must not be to the tenant's disadvantage applies. A deposit that is unreasonably high can be considered void under Section 4 of the Act, which states that contract terms that are to the tenant's disadvantage are void if they deviate from the provisions of the Act.

## How to calculate a reasonable deposit for furnished lettings

To determine what is a reasonable deposit for a furnished let, you as a landlord should assess:

- The value of the furniture and fittings
- The risk of damage or theft
- The length of the tenancy period
- The tenant's ability to pay

A rule of thumb is that the deposit should not exceed three months' rent, but there is no legal obstacle to a higher deposit if there are special reasons. As a tenant, you can always question a deposit that seems unreasonable.

## Table: Examples of deposits for furnished lettings

| Type of letting | Monthly rent | Deposit (2 months) | Deposit (3 months) |
|------------------|--------------|---------------------|---------------------|
| Unfurnished | 10,000 SEK | 20,000 SEK | 30,000 SEK |
| Furnished (standard) | 12,000 SEK | 24,000 SEK | 36,000 SEK |
| Furnished (luxury) | 15,000 SEK | 30,000 SEK | 45,000 SEK |

The table shows how the deposit can vary depending on the rent level and number of months. A deposit of two months' rent is common, while three months may be justified for furnished lettings with a high standard.

## What happens if the deposit is unreasonably high?

If you as a tenant consider the deposit to be unreasonably high, you can turn to the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) to have it examined. The Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) can decide that the deposit should be reduced or that the term is void. As a landlord, you should be prepared to justify why a higher deposit is needed, for example with a valuation of the furniture.

## Deposit for furnished lettings – common questions

**Can the landlord demand a deposit of three months' rent for a furnished let?**

Yes, it is possible if there are special reasons, for example if the furniture has a high value. But the deposit must not be unreasonable, and the tenant can contest it at the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden).".".".".".".".".".".".".".".".".

**Must the deposit be repaid with interest?**

No, there is no requirement for interest, but the deposit must be repaid in full if there are no damages or other claims. If the deposit is placed in an interest-bearing account, the interest normally goes to the tenant.

**Can the deposit be used to cover normal wear and tear?**

No, normal wear and tear should not be covered by the deposit. The deposit is intended to cover damage that goes beyond normal wear and tear, such as holes in walls or broken furniture.

**What should I as a landlord consider when taking a deposit for a furnished let?**

You should document the condition of the flat and its fittings carefully, for example with an inventory list and photos. It is also important to write a clear agreement about the deposit and its terms. For more information, see our guide on [documents for secure letting](UGC7).

## Common questions

**Can the landlord charge a higher deposit for a furnished let?**

Yes, it is allowed if the deposit is reasonable and corresponds to the increased risk. A deposit of two to three months' rent is common for furnished lettings.

**How high a deposit can I demand as a landlord?**

There is no statutory limit, but the deposit must not be unreasonable. A rule of thumb is not to exceed three months' rent without special reasons.

**Can the tenant refuse to pay a high deposit?**

The tenant can contest the deposit if it is considered unreasonable, and the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) can then examine the matter. However, it is important to agree in the contract.

**What happens to the deposit if the tenant damages furniture?**

Then the landlord can use the deposit to cover the cost of repair or replacement, but documentation and a reasonable assessment of the damage are required.

## Related articles

For more information on letting and deposits, see also:

- [Home insurance for letting: everything you need to know](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/home-insurance-rental-guide-sweden)
- [New Tenancy Act 2026: how the rules for letting change](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/sweden-new-rental-law-2026-flexible-rental-market)
- [Reasonable rent 2026: how to calculate the right rent](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/rental-levels-2026-guide-to-reasonable-rent-for-bostadsratt-and-how-to-calculate-capital-costs-i)
- [The Rent Tribunal: how it works and your rights as a tenant](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/dispute-with-your-landlord-how-to-report-to-the-swedish-rent-tribunal)


*This is general information and not legal advice. For specific questions, contact the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) or a legal expert.*