| Point | Must be stated | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Rent amount | Yes | Avoids later disputes about price |
| Deposit amount | Yes | Protects your finances |
| Notice period | Yes | Security for both parties |
| Contract length | Yes | Clarity on whether it is fixed-term |
| Pet rules | Recommended | Avoids misunderstandings |
| Damage rules | Recommended | Clarity on what counts as normal wear and tear |
| Landlord contact person | Yes | Ability to reach the landlord |
Rental contract before moving in: five critical points to check
Before you sign a rental contract, you must read it carefully and verify that the main terms are clearly stated. A deficient contract can lead to disputes later – both financially and practically.
Here is what you must check before you move in.
1. Rent amount and payment terms
Verify that the rent is correctly stated and matches what you negotiated. The contract should specify:
- The monthly rent (unfurnished and furnished if applicable)
- Due date for payment
- Which account or payment method applies
- Whether a furnished supplement applies (the supplement is not regulated by law; the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) usually accepts around 10–15 per cent of the rent)
Also compare the rent with similar flats nearby. If you live in a tenant-owned flat (bostadsrätt), the rent should follow the principles of reasonable rent (skälig hyra) under rental law. Read more about this in Reasonable rent 2026.
2. Contract length and notice period
A critical detail that many miss:
- Is it a fixed-term or open-ended rental?
- What is the notice period for both parties?
- What are the rules for contract renewal?
Under rental law, a notice period of three months from both sides usually applies, but this can vary. Make sure this is clearly stated in the contract. Read more about notice periods in Terminating a rental contract 2026.
3. Deposit and security
Most landlords require a deposit. Check:
- How much deposit is required
- How it will be handled (separate bank account, insurance or administration)
- When and how it is returned on move-out
- What deductions are allowed
Rental law sets no limit on deposit amounts – in practice it usually ranges from one to three months' rent. Instead, verify that the contract specifies exactly what the deposit covers, how it is held and when it is returned. More information is available in Deposit for rent 2026.
4. Damage, wear and tear and maintenance responsibility
A common area of dispute concerns what counts as normal wear and tear (slitage) and what counts as damage. The contract should clarify:
- Who is responsible for repairs (walls, flooring, locks, etc.)
- What counts as normal wear and tear
- Rules for painting and wallpapering
- Who pays for cleaning on move-out
The landlord normally bears responsibility for major repairs and maintenance, while the tenant is responsible for keeping the flat in reasonable condition. Read more about this in Normal wear and tear or damage? and Painting & wallpapering in a rental flat 2026.
5. Pets, furniture and other terms
Check the following points:
- Are pets allowed? If yes, which ones and with what restrictions?
- Which furniture is included in the rent?
- Which shared spaces can you use?
- Is it permitted to have a lodger (inneboende)?
- Smoking rules in the flat
- Internet and telephone arrangements
Pets are an area where many landlords and tenants end up in conflict. Make sure it is clearly regulated. Read more in Pets in a rental flat.
Table: What must be in the contract?
First-hand or subletting?
It is crucial to know whether you are signing a first-hand (primary) contract (förstahandskontrakt) directly with the property owner or subletting (andrahandsuthyrning) from another tenant. First-hand contracts offer greater protection, while subletting is more limited legally.
Read more about the differences in First-hand or subletting.
Use a written agreement – always
Oral agreements do not hold. You must have a written contract that both you and the landlord have signed. Keep a copy for your records.
If you are signing a cohabitation agreement or property purchase agreement at the same time as you rent, see Cohabitation law and property purchase for guidance.
Use a move-in and move-out checklist
When you are about to move in, you should walk through the flat with the landlord and document any damage or defects. This protects you on move-out. Good documentation via photographs reduces the risk of disputes over the deposit.
Frequently asked questions
Can a landlord require a deposit larger than three months' rent?
There is no limit set by rental law. Three months' rent is a common upper level in practice, but a deposit that is unreasonably large in relation to the rent can be questioned. Make sure the amount, purpose and return terms are written in the contract.
What do I do if the contract is not in writing?
Request immediate written confirmation of the agreement. Without a written contract, it is harder to prove the terms in case of a dispute. You can report the landlord to the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) if they refuse.
Can a landlord raise the rent without my consent?
No, not during the contract period. On renewal or a new contract, the rent can be adjusted under rental law. However, a landlord can only raise the rent during the contract if it is expressly permitted in the agreement and follows reasonable rent guidelines. See Rent increase 2026.
Is it legal to require a company guarantee for a private rental?
It depends on the situation. A private landlord may require a surety or other security, but this must be stated in the contract. Some municipalities also offer housing guarantees for young people – see Housing guarantee for young people.
This article is general information about rental contracts and does not replace legal advice. In case of disputes, you are advised to contact the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) or a solicitor.
