| Scenarios | What applies | Legal reference/Source |
|---|---|---|
| Carpet on the floor | Carpet that has become dull through normal use is normal wear and tear. | Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) practice |
| Cracked plaster | Cracked plaster is not normal wear and tear. It is damage that the landlord can demand compensation for. | Chapter 12, Section 24 of the Land Code (jordabalken) |
| Worn carpets | Carpets that have become worn through normal use are normal wear and tear. | Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) practice |
| Paint that has completely flaked off | Paint that has completely flaked off is not normal wear and tear. It is damage that the landlord can demand compensation for. | Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) practice |
| Dull windows | Dull windows are normal wear and tear. | Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) practice |
| Cracks in the wall | Cracks in the wall are not normal wear and tear. It is damage that the landlord can demand compensation for. | Chapter 12, Section 24 of the Land Code (jordabalken) |
As a tenant in a rental flat (hyresrätt), you have the right to furnish the flat as you wish. The landlord cannot determine which furniture you place in it, as long as you do not damage the flat or make permanent changes to it. The boundary is set by the duty of care in Chapter 12, Section 24 of the Land Code (jordabalken).
Normal wear and tear (slitage) means that surfaces and objects have deteriorated through natural use over time. There is a difference between a surface becoming dull and it becoming cracked and unusable. The Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) assesses what is reasonable for a flat in a certain condition at move-in and move-out.
The difference between normal wear and tear and damage
It is important to distinguish between wear and tear and damage. Wear and tear is a natural part of ownership and use. Damage means that something has broken or been destroyed without it being a consequence of normal use. A landlord can demand compensation for damage, but not for normal wear and tear.
What the landlord can demand
The landlord can demand that you restore the flat to the same condition as at move-in, with normal wear and tear included. This means that faded wallpaper and worn carpets are permitted. But cracked plaster, paint that has completely flaked off, or broken windows are not normal wear and tear.
The landlord's right to inspect
The landlord has the right to inspect the flat at move-in and move-out to assess its condition. This usually takes place when the tenant moves in or out. The landlord must provide the tenant with written information about what applies to the inspection.
The Rent Tribunal's assessment
The Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) is the authority that decides disputes about what counts as normal wear and tear. They have a list of what is permitted and what is not. The Rent Tribunal looks at what is reasonable for a flat in a certain condition.
What counts as normal wear and tear
Here is a table showing what counts as normal wear and tear and what does not.
Step-by-step: How to handle an inspection
- Prepare the flat: Clear away personal items that you do not want the landlord to see. This is especially important if you suspect the landlord may not be friendly.
- Document the condition: Take photos and videos of the flat before the landlord arrives. This is your evidence of the condition at move-in.
- Choose a time: Book a time for the inspection that suits you. It is good to have a witness when the landlord arrives.
- Wait for a written decision: The landlord must give you a written decision about what applies to the inspection. This decision must contain information about what will be checked and what applies to the result.
- Check the result: When the inspection is complete, the landlord must give you a written decision about what applies. Check that the decision is correct and that it does not contain errors.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if the landlord demands compensation for normal wear and tear?
The landlord cannot demand compensation for normal wear and tear. If the landlord does so, you can complain to the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden).
How long does the landlord have to return the deposit?
The landlord must return the deposit (deposition) within one month after you have moved out. If the landlord does not do so, you can demand interest on the money.
What can a landlord ask about your finances?
A landlord cannot ask about your finances unless it is relevant to the rental agreement. A landlord cannot demand that you show salary slips or bank statements.
What do you do if the landlord does not repair mould damage?
If the landlord does not repair mould damage, you can complain to the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden). You can also deduct the cost of cleaning up the mould from your rent.
Summary
Normal wear and tear is a natural part of using a flat. It is important to distinguish between wear and tear and damage. The Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) is the authority that decides what counts as normal wear and tear. If you are unsure about what applies, contact the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) or a housing lawyer.
Read more about rental flats
If you want to know more about rental flats (hyresrätt), you can read the following articles on Bofrid:
- Normal wear and tear or damage? Your complete guide to a dispute-free move-out
- What can a landlord ask about your finances?
- Dispute with landlord? How to report to the Rent Tribunal (Step-by-step)
- What counts as a furnished flat for increased rent?
- Furnished surcharge 2026: When can you add 15% to the rent and what counts as fully furnished?
This text is general information and does not constitute legal advice.
