What does it mean?
An apartment swap (bostadsbyte) means two tenants exchange apartments with each other. It is an effective way to move without having to wait in a housing queue. The landlord's approval is required, but if the landlord refuses without valid reasons, the Rent Tribunal can approve the swap. Both parties must have reasonable grounds for the exchange.
Common approved reasons include changed family situation, change of workplace, need for a larger or smaller apartment, or health-related reasons. You can find swap partners through platforms like Bytesborsen.se, Facebook groups, or Bofrid. Note that the landlord can refuse if there is a risk of overcrowding or if swap chains become too complicated.
Key Points
- Requires landlord approval — the Rent Tribunal can review refusals
- Both parties need reasonable grounds for the swap
- Common reasons: family situation, workplace change, size, health
- Find swap partners through platforms like Bytesborsen.se
- Be aware that under-the-table payments for swaps are illegal
Practical Tip
Start by contacting your landlord about their apartment swap process. Register on swap platforms and be clear about what you are looking for. If the landlord refuses, consider applying to the Rent Tribunal — the process is free of charge.
Legal Basis: Land Code Ch. 12, § 35 — tenant's right to swap