Pets in Rental Apartments in Sweden: Rules, Rights & Agreements – Your
Can You Have Pets in a Rental Apartment? A Common Question in Sweden
Having a pet, like a dog or cat, can greatly enrich your life. But what are the rules when you live in a rental apartment in Sweden? Are you free to have pets, or are there restrictions? This article from Bofrid clarifies the concepts and provides you with a complete guide to the rules regarding pets in rental apartments in Sweden.
The Swedish Rental Act ( hyreslagen ) is relatively vague when it comes to pets. It doesn't explicitly state that it's allowed or forbidden. Instead, it's up to the landlord to decide and regulate this, usually through the lease agreement. This means that the rules can vary greatly depending on where you live and who you rent from. It's therefore crucial that you read your lease agreement carefully before getting a pet.
What Does the Swedish Rental Act Actually Say About Pets?
As mentioned above, the Rental Act in Sweden doesn't provide clear guidance on pets. The law focuses more on the tenant taking good care of the apartment and not disturbing their neighbors. These are two important aspects to keep in mind when it comes to pets. If your pet causes damage to the apartment, or disturbs the neighbors with, for example, barking, there may be problems, regardless of what the lease agreement says.
Care of the apartment: The tenant is responsible for keeping the apartment in good condition. Pets that cause damage, for example by scratching doors or urinating indoors, may result in you being liable to pay for repairs.
Disturbances: According to the Rental Act in Sweden, you must not disturb your neighbors. If your pet causes disturbances, for example by barking or howling often, the landlord may require you to remedy the problem. In the worst case, it can lead to termination of the lease agreement.
It's therefore important that you, as a pet owner, take responsibility for your pet and ensure that it doesn't cause problems for either the apartment or the neighbors. Good communication with the landlord and neighbors can also contribute to a smooth and problem-free living situation.
How Can the Landlord Regulate Pets in the Lease Agreement?
The landlord has the right to set rules regarding pets in the lease agreement. These rules can vary greatly, from a total ban on pets to only certain types of pets being allowed. It's important to note that the rules must be clearly formulated and that they must not be discriminatory. A landlord cannot, for example, ban all dogs but allow cats without an acceptable reason.
Examples of how the landlord can regulate pets in rental apartments in Sweden:
Total ban: No pets allowed at all.
Permission required: The tenant must apply for permission to have a pet. The landlord can then make an individual assessment of each case.
Restrictions: Certain types of pets are allowed, for example, cats and small dogs, while others are prohibited, for example, large dogs or snakes.
Special conditions: The tenant must follow certain conditions, such as keeping the dog on a leash within the area or picking up after their dog.
It's important that you, as a tenant in Sweden, are aware of these rules and that you follow them. If you violate the rules, it can lead to warnings and, in the worst case, termination of the lease agreement. As a landlord, it's important to formulate the rules clearly and to communicate them to the tenants in a clear manner.
Examples of wording in the lease agreement:
"The tenant may not keep pets in the apartment without the landlord's written approval."
"Only cats and small dogs (under 40 cm at the withers) are allowed. The tenant is responsible for ensuring that the animal does not disturb the neighbors."
"The tenant is obliged to pick up after their dog on the property's area. Failure to do so may result in a warning."
What Happens If I Get a Pet Without Permission in Sweden?
If you get a pet without having permission from the landlord, and there's a prohibition in the lease agreement, you risk violating the agreement. The landlord can then take action, for example, give you a warning. If you don't remedy the problem, the landlord may, in the worst case, terminate the lease agreement. It's therefore very important that you always check what applies before getting a pet in your rental apartment in Sweden.
However, there are exceptions. If the landlord has previously approved that you have pets, or if there's no prohibition in the lease agreement, it may be more difficult for the landlord to demand that you get rid of the pet. However, it's always best to have an open dialogue with the landlord and to try to agree on a solution that works for all parties. If you're unsure of what applies, you can contact the Swedish Tenants' Association ( Hyresgästföreningen ) for advice.
Can the Landlord Refuse Me to Have Pets? What Rights Do I Have in Sweden?
The landlord has the right to refuse you to have pets, especially if there's a clear prohibition in the lease agreement. However, there are certain situations where the landlord may be considered to be acting unreasonably. For example, if you have a service or assistance dog. Such a dog is often necessary for you to be able to live an independent life, and then the landlord may have difficulty refusing you to have the dog.
If you believe that the landlord is acting unreasonably in Sweden, you can contact the Tenants' Association to get help. They can help you assess your situation and find out what rights you have. It's important to remember that each case is unique and that there are no guarantees that you will be right.
Remember that good communication with your landlord is key. Always try to have an open and honest dialogue about your wishes and needs. Maybe you can come to a solution that works for both of you. Bofrid always encourages a good relationship between tenant and landlord in Sweden.
What Does It Cost to Have Pets in a Rental Apartment in Sweden?
A direct cost in the form of a rent increase is unusual, but indirect costs may occur. If your pet causes damage to the apartment in Sweden, you may be liable to pay for the repairs. In addition, you may have to pay for extra cleaning when you move out. It's therefore important that you take good care of your apartment and that you ensure that your pet doesn't cause damage.
In addition to this, there are of course the usual costs of having a pet, such as food, veterinary care and insurance. It's important that you can afford to take care of your pet in a good way, both financially and in terms of time. Before you get a pet in Sweden, you should therefore make a budget and calculate how much it will cost you each month.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Pets in Swedish Rental Apartments
Am I allowed to have an aquarium in my rental apartment in Sweden?
It depends on the size of the aquarium. A small aquarium is usually not a problem, but a large aquarium can be problematic because it can put a lot of strain on the floor. Check with your landlord before getting a large aquarium.
What do I do if my neighbor has a pet that disturbs me in Sweden?
Talk to your neighbor first. Maybe he or she isn't aware that the pet is disturbing you. If that doesn't help, you can contact your landlord. The landlord is obliged to ensure that there are no disturbances in the property.
Can I be evicted if my pet causes problems in my Swedish rental?
Yes, if your pet causes serious problems, for example by damaging the apartment or disturbing the neighbors, you can be evicted. It's therefore important that you take responsibility for your pet and ensure that it doesn't cause problems.
What if I have an allergy-friendly dog in Sweden?
Even if you have an allergy-friendly dog, the same rules apply as for other dogs. You must therefore have permission from the landlord if there's a prohibition against pets in the lease agreement. However, it may be more difficult for the landlord to refuse you to have an allergy-friendly dog, as it may be necessary for your health.
We hope that this article from Bofrid has given you a better understanding of the rules regarding pets in rental apartments in Sweden. Remember to always read your lease agreement carefully and to have an open dialogue with your landlord. Good luck!
