Social Services & Housing
What does it mean?
The social services (socialtjänsten) in each municipality are responsible for supporting people who cannot resolve their housing situation on their own. Social services can offer emergency housing, social contracts (the municipality acts as tenant and sublets), transitional housing, and support when facing eviction threats. Available interventions vary between municipalities depending on local guidelines and resources.
When facing eviction threats, social services should be contacted — they can sometimes negotiate with the landlord and help set up a payment plan. Social services also have an obligation to ensure families with children do not become homeless. Through social contracts, people who have difficulty being approved as tenants can obtain housing with support. Contact your municipality's social services to find out what interventions are available in your area.
Key Points
- Municipal responsibility for support during homelessness and eviction threats
- Social contracts — the municipality rents and sublets to the applicant
- Obligation to ensure families with children do not become homeless
- Can negotiate with landlords when facing eviction threats
- Available interventions vary between municipalities — contact yours
Practical Tip
At risk of eviction? Contact your municipality's social services immediately — they can sometimes stop the eviction by negotiating with your landlord. The earlier you reach out, the more options are available.