---
title: "What must you show the tenant before signing a contract?"
author: "Philip Rönnmark"
authorUrl: "https://bofrid.com/en/articles/authors/philip-ronnmark"
datePublished: "2026-10-29T07:15:02.956Z"
dateModified: "2026-10-29T07:15:03.020Z"
description: "The landlord must show the flat and present essential information before contract. Rules differ between privatuthyrningslagen and hyreslagen."
keywords: ["what must landlord show tenant before contract", "viewing before renting", "rental contract before moving in", "privatuthyrningslagen", "tenant rights"]
categories: ["Landlord", "Guides"]
canonical: "https://bofrid.com/en/articles/what-must-you-show-the-tenant-before-signing-a-contract"
language: "en"
image: "https://bofrid.media/cms/d5057c5341956068d9f836d1bc6eec5dc9514c6d.webp"
---

# What must you show the tenant before signing a contract?

The landlord must show the tenant the rental flat and present essential information before the contract is signed. What must be shown depends on whether the privatuthyrningslagen (private rental law) or hyreslagen (general rental law) applies – two completely different legal frameworks that govern different types of lettings.

## What must landlord show tenant before contract

Before a rental agreement is signed, the landlord must give the tenant the opportunity to inspect the flat thoroughly. There is no law that forces the landlord to arrange a viewing – it follows from custom and practice on the housing market. But once the tenant is interested, the landlord must present the flat in its actual condition.

The landlord must also present essential information about the flat, the rent and the contract terms before the parties sign anything. This obligation differs depending on which law applies.

## Two different laws – two different rules

There are two main legal frameworks for lettings in Sweden:

**The privatuthyrningslagen (private rental law, 2026:772)** applies when a private person lets out no more than two flats that are not part of the landlord's own home.

**The hyreslagen (general rental law)** applies when a company or legal entity lets out, or when a private person regularly lets out more than two flats.

These two laws have completely different requirements for what the landlord must show and inform about before the contract is signed.

### Privatuthyrningslagen: what must landlord show tenant

Under the privatuthyrningslagen (2026:772), there is no explicit statutory obligation to show the flat before the contract is signed. The law states that "a rental agreement shall be drawn up in writing, if the landlord or tenant requests it" (section 5). This means the landlord can choose not to write any contract at all if neither party requests it – but this is not recommended.

The landlord must, however, present essential information about:

- The flat's condition and any defects
- The size of the rent and what it covers
- The rental period (how long the agreement lasts)
- Any special terms

This information does not need to be presented in written form under the privatuthyrningslagen, but it is strongly recommended for both parties.

### Hyreslagen: what must landlord show tenant

Under the hyreslagen (which applies to companies and larger private landlords), there are stricter requirements. The landlord must present the flat and give the tenant the opportunity to inspect it before the contract is signed. The landlord must also present a written rental agreement that contains:

- A description of the flat
- The size of the rent and what it covers
- The rental period
- Rules for termination
- The landlord's and tenant's rights and obligations

The landlord cannot require the tenant to sign anything before this information has been presented.

## Checklist: what the landlord should show before contract

1. **Inspect the flat together** – Go through all rooms, check appliances, heating, water and electricity together with the tenant
2. **Present the flat description** – Show a plan or description of the flat's size and layout
3. **Explain the rent** – Present the size of the rent, what it covers (heating, water, electricity, waste collection) and when it should be paid
4. **Show the contract terms** – Give the tenant time to read through the agreement before signing
5. **Present the house rules** – Explain any common rules for the building or area
6. **Document the flat's condition** – It is a good idea to take photographs or make a written description of the flat's condition before moving in
7. **Answer questions** – Give the tenant the opportunity to ask questions and get answers before the contract is signed

## Comparison: privatuthyrningslagen versus hyreslagen

| Scenario | What applies | Law/Source |
|----------|---|---|
| Private person lets out 1–2 flats | Privatuthyrningslagen (2026:772) | Privatuthyrningslagen sections 1–3 |
| Private person lets out 3+ flats regularly | Hyreslagen | Privatuthyrningslagen section 3 subsection 1 |
| Company or legal entity lets out | Hyreslagen | Privatuthyrningslagen section 3 subsection 1 |
| Landlord holds the flat with a rental right | Hyreslagen | Privatuthyrningslagen section 3 subsection 2 |
| Written contract required | Only if either party requests it (private letting) or always (hyreslagen) | Privatuthyrningslagen section 5 |

## Viewing before contract – what may the landlord do

The landlord may conduct a viewing at the tenant's home before the contract is signed in order to assess the flat's condition and the tenant's suitability. During the viewing, the landlord may:

- Inspect the flat's condition
- Ask questions about the tenant's employment and finances
- Request references from previous landlords
- Photograph the flat's condition

The landlord may **not**:

- Discriminate against the tenant on the grounds of ethnic background, religion, sex or sexual orientation
- Require medical examination or health checks
- Require the tenant to pay for the viewing
- Come without an agreed time

Read more about viewings in our article about what it costs to conduct a viewing before letting.

## Information that must be presented before contract

Regardless of which law applies, the landlord must present the following information before the contract is signed:

**About the flat:**
- The flat's size (square metres)
- Number of rooms
- The flat's condition and any defects
- Which common areas are included
- Permission to keep pets (if relevant)

**About the rent:**
- The size of the rent per month
- What the rent covers (heating, water, electricity, waste collection, insurance)
- When the rent should be paid
- Whether the rent can be increased and according to which rules

**About the agreement:**
- The rental period (how long the agreement lasts)
- Notice period
- Rules for moving in and moving out
- The landlord's and tenant's rights and obligations

## Frequently asked questions

**Can the landlord require the tenant to pay for the viewing?**
No. The viewing is part of the landlord's work to find a suitable tenant. The landlord cannot charge a fee for the viewing. Read more in our article about what it costs to conduct a viewing before letting.

**Must the landlord write a written contract?**
Under the privatuthyrningslagen, a written contract is required only if either party requests it. Under the hyreslagen, the contract must always be in writing. However, it is strongly recommended to always have a written contract to avoid misunderstandings.

**What can the tenant do if the landlord does not show the flat before the contract is signed?**
The tenant can refuse to sign the contract before the flat has been inspected. If the landlord refuses to show the flat, the tenant can look for another flat. Read more about the tenant's rights in our article [rental contract before moving in: what should you check](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/rental-contract-before-moving-in-what-to-check).

**Can the landlord require an employment certificate before the contract is signed?**
Yes, the landlord may require an employment certificate or other documentation of the tenant's finances to assess payment capacity. Read more in our article [can you require an employment certificate from the tenant](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/can-a-landlord-require-an-employment-certificate-from-a-tenant).

## Practical tips for the landlord

To avoid misunderstandings and disputes, the landlord is recommended to:

- Always make a written rental agreement, even under the privatuthyrningslagen
- Document the flat's condition before moving in with photographs
- Give the tenant a copy of the agreement at least one week before signing
- Present all essential information in writing
- Keep a record of the viewing
- Be clear about what rules apply in the building or area

Read more about how to find a reliable tenant in our article [how to find a reliable tenant](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/find-tenants-throughout-sweden-your-complete-guide-for-secure-rentals-sweden).

*This text is general information and does not replace legal advice.*