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Terminating a Rental Contract in Sweden 2026: Notice Periods and Rules

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Sooner or later most people need to terminate their rental contract – for a move, a home purchase or a new chapter in life. Get it wrong and you can be stuck paying double rent for months. This guide explains notice periods for Swedish rentals in 2026, how to give notice correctly and the rules for subletting.

Notice period for a first-hand contract

For a rental with an open-ended contract (the most common type) the notice period for you as the tenant is three calendar months. It is counted from the end of the month after you give notice:

  • Give notice on 10 March and the period runs from 31 March, ending the contract on 30 June.
  • Give notice on 28 March and the same applies – it's the month-end that counts, not the exact date.

You don't need to give a reason to terminate. It is far harder for the landlord to terminate you, thanks to security of tenure (besittningsskydd). Read more in our guide on security of tenure.

Always put it in writing

Always give notice in writing, even though verbal notice is valid in some cases. An email or letter gives you proof of the date. Ask for written confirmation from the landlord and keep everything until the contract has ended and your deposit is returned.

Notice periods when subletting

Here the rules differ depending on which law applies:

SituationTenant's noticeSublandlord's notice
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Private Rental Act (usually condo/house)1 month3 months
Tenancy Act (usually subletting a rental)3 months3 months

The Private Rental Act gives the subtenant a short notice period of one month, while the person renting out must give three. If you sublet a rental apartment, the Tenancy Act's three months normally apply both ways. Unsure which contract you have? Our guide to first-hand and second-hand contracts explains the differences.

Fixed-term contracts

If you have a fixed-term sublet (e.g. "1 January–30 June") it ends automatically on the end date – but the agreement may still allow early termination. Always read the contract's termination clause. If there isn't one, the law's rules apply.

Termination on death

If the tenant dies, the estate may terminate the contract with one month's notice, provided notice is given within one month of the death. This is an important relief for relatives.

How to avoid double rent

The most common trap is signing a new contract before the old one ends. Three tips:

  1. Count backwards. Want to move on 1 July? Give notice by 31 March.
  2. Coordinate move-in dates with your new home so the gap is small.
  3. Ask for a shorter notice period. Many landlords agree to end earlier if they find a new tenant – always ask.

Frequently asked questions

Can I withdraw a notice? Only if the landlord agrees. Notice is binding, so wait until you're sure.

Do I have to clean before moving out? Yes, you're responsible for move-out cleaning. See our move-out cleaning checklist to avoid deductions.

Summary

The notice period for a first-hand rental is three calendar months, while a sublet can be as short as one month under the Private Rental Act. Always give notice in writing, count backwards from your moving day and ask for confirmation. Looking for your next home? Search available rentals on Bofrid.

Esther Asmundsson

Esther Asmundsson

June 23, 2026
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