What does it mean?
Notice periods for residential leases in Sweden are regulated in Chapter 12 of the Land Code. A tenant who wishes to move always has the right to terminate an indefinite contract with three months' notice, regardless of what has been agreed. Shorter notice periods may be agreed in the tenant's favor. The termination notice must be in writing if the tenancy has lasted more than three months.
For landlords, longer notice periods apply depending on how long the tenant has lived in the apartment. For tenancies shorter than three months, the notice period is one week for furnished rooms and one month otherwise. After that, three months is the minimum notice period. The landlord must also have legitimate grounds for termination and must refer the dispute to the Rent Tribunal if the tenant does not accept the termination. Notice must always be in writing and served on the other party.
Key Points
- Tenant always has at least three months' notice for indefinite contracts
- Shorter notice periods can be agreed in the tenant's favor
- Landlord's notice period varies with tenancy length
- Notice must be in writing for tenancies longer than three months
- Landlord must have legitimate grounds for termination
Practical Tip
Always terminate in writing and keep proof — send a registered letter or use email with read receipt. Count the notice period from the next month-end after the notice reaches the landlord.
Legal Basis: 12:4-5 JB (notice periods), 12:8 JB (written form)