What does it mean?
A complete renovation (totalrenovering) means a comprehensive upgrade of an apartment or entire building, where kitchen, bathroom, pipes, electrical systems, and surfaces are all renovated simultaneously. It is the most extensive renovation approach and is often carried out in Million Programme areas and older properties that have reached the end of their technical lifespan.
For tenants, a complete renovation has major impact. The apartment may be uninhabitable for several months and the landlord must offer evacuation housing. The tenant has the right to return to their apartment after renovation, but rent may increase to reflect the improved standard. The rent increase must be reasonable and can be reviewed by the Rent Tribunal. Tenants have the right to information about the renovation's scope, timeline, and financial consequences.
Key Points
- Covers kitchen, bathroom, pipes, electrical, and surfaces throughout the building
- Tenants have the right to evacuation housing during renovation
- Right to return to the apartment after renovation (return right)
- Rent increase must be reasonable and can be reviewed by the Rent Tribunal
- The property owner must inform about timeline, scope, and financial consequences
Practical Tip
If your landlord is planning a complete renovation: document the apartment's condition, request written information about timeline and rent increase, and contact the Tenant Association for advice. You can negotiate the rent increase and have the right to have it reviewed if unreasonable.
Legal Basis: Land Code Ch. 12 §§ 18 d-f, Rent Negotiation Act (1978:304)