---
title: "The rent tribunal: how it works and your rights as a tenant"
author: "Esther Asmundsson"
authorUrl: "https://bofrid.se/en/articles/authors/EstherAsmundsson"
datePublished: "2026-06-13T08:00:00.000Z"
dateModified: "2026-06-13T17:45:04Z"
description: "What does the Swedish rent tribunal do? How the process works, what it can decide and your rights as a tenant under the 2026 rental law."
categories: ["Guider", "Hyresgäst"]
canonical: "https://bofrid.se/en/articles/rent-tribunal-your-rights-as-a-tenant"
language: "en"
image: "https://cdn.sanity.io/images/lgx6wuf4/production/1c504d04d78548f8303f57c332e5b5ada36e0e40-1408x768.webp?rect=0,15,1408,739&w=1200&h=630&fit=crop"
---

# The rent tribunal: how it works and your rights as a tenant

**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?

| 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 |

Learn how to calculate a [reasonable rent](https://bofrid.se/en/articles/reasonable-rent-sweden-2026) 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.
- **Protection against unreasonable rent**, kept even under the freer 2026 rent-setting.
- **The right to a functioning home:** the landlord is responsible for maintenance.
- **The right to sublet** with valid reasons.

## Summary

The rent tribunal is your safety net as a tenant – it reviews rents, consents and terminations, usually for free. Looking for a new home with fair terms? Start on [Bofrid](https://bofrid.se/en).

*This article is general information and does not constitute legal advice.*