| Situation | What the tribunal can do |
|---|---|
| You pay too high a sublet rent | Lower the rent and order repayment (up to 24 months for a bostadsrätt) |
| The association refuses subletting | Grant consent if you have valid reasons |
| The landlord terminates your lease | Test whether the termination is reasonable |
The rent tribunal (hyresnämnden) is the authority that mediates and decides disputes between tenants and landlords in Sweden. Knowing how it works puts you in a far stronger position when something goes wrong. Here is what the rent tribunal does, when to turn to it, and your rights as a tenant.
What is the rent tribunal?
It works much like a court but is simpler, cheaper and usually free. There are eight tribunals in Sweden. They handle disputes about rent levels and unreasonable rent, consent to subletting when a landlord or association refuses, extension of leases, apartment swaps and repayment of overcharged rent.
When should you turn to it?
Learn how to calculate a reasonable rent before you apply.
Your key rights as a tenant
- Security of tenure: the right to stay and have your lease extended unless the landlord has just cause.
