Rental Resume: How to Be the Landlord's Top Pick in 2026
Finding the right tenant is a landlord's biggest challenge, and standing out from the crowd is the tenant's. In today's rental market in Sweden, a short "Hi, I want to rent" is no longer enough. To create security, verified data and a professional presentation are required. This is especially true for expats navigating the Swedish rental market. Understanding the local customs and requirements is key to success. Landlords want assurance that you're reliable and will pay rent on time.
In this article, we'll go through how you as a tenant maximize your chances with a Housing CV and how you as a landlord can use a Housing Merit system to filter out the most reliable candidates in Sweden. We'll also cover specific challenges faced by expats and provide practical tips for securing a rental in Sweden.
1. What is a Housing CV?
A Housing CV works just like a regular CV for the job market. It is your complete presentation that shows that you are a responsible, financially stable, and accountable person. Think of it as your personal pitch to a landlord, highlighting why you'd be an excellent tenant. According to statistics from Bofrid, the chance of getting a viewing increases by over 70% if you have a complete and verified CV. In the competitive rental market of Sweden, this can make all the difference.
For expats, a Housing CV is even more critical. It helps bridge the gap created by a lack of local references or credit history. It allows you to proactively showcase your strengths and address any potential concerns a landlord might have.
2. The Key to Success: Housing Merit™
At Bofrid, we use a unique scoring system called Housing Merit. It's an algorithm that weighs several factors to give the landlord an objective picture of your profile:
Verified Income: Certificates that show that the rent will be paid on time. This could include employment contracts, salary slips, or even proof of scholarships for students. For expats, it's crucial to provide documentation that is easily understandable by a Swedish landlord.
References: Previous landlords who vouch for you are worth their weight in gold. If you don't have previous landlords in Sweden, consider providing references from employers or other reputable individuals who can speak to your character and reliability.
Criminal Record & Credit Report: By proactively showing these, you build immediate trust. In Sweden, it's common for landlords to perform credit checks (kreditupplysning). Providing this upfront demonstrates transparency and trustworthiness. Keep in mind that having a clean criminal record is essential.
3. Tips for the Tenant: How to Increase Your Merit
Many tenants make the mistake of being too anonymous. To win the battle for the best properties in 2026, you should:
Get References Digitally: Don't wait for the landlord to ask. Have them ready in your profile. Use platforms like LinkedIn to showcase recommendations from previous landlords or colleagues.
Upload the Right Documents: Employment contracts or study certificates are a requirement for most landlords today. Make sure these documents are clear, up-to-date, and, if necessary, translated into Swedish or English.
Be Quick but Thorough: With Bofrid's tools, you can send your entire profile with one click. However, don't sacrifice quality for speed. Ensure all information is accurate and presented professionally.
Write a Compelling Personal Introduction: This is your chance to tell your story and connect with the landlord on a personal level. Explain why you're interested in the property and what makes you a good tenant. Highlight your respect for Swedish culture and your commitment to being a responsible member of the community.
Consider a Guarantor: If you have limited credit history in Sweden, a guarantor (borgensman) can provide added assurance to the landlord. This is someone who agrees to cover your rent if you're unable to pay.
4. For the Landlord: Save Time with Automated Screening
As a landlord, you often receive hundreds of applications. Reading through loose emails is inefficient and insecure. By requiring a high Housing Merit, you can:
Filter Out Non-Serious Applicants: Only those who have actually verified their identity and finances are shown.
Compare Apples to Apples: All applicants are presented in the same format, making the decision process fair and fast.
Reduce the Risk of Rent Debts: Being able to see the tenant's credit report and income documents directly in the application makes it easy to get a good picture of the person.
5. Finding Apartments in Sweden as an Expat
Finding an apartment in Sweden, especially in major cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö, can be challenging. Here's a breakdown of the common approaches:
First-hand Contracts (Förstahandskontrakt): These are direct leases with the property owner and offer the most security. However, they are also the hardest to obtain, often requiring years on a waiting list (bostadskö). Municipal housing companies (kommunala bostadsbolag) manage many of these apartments.
Second-hand Rentals (Andrahandsuthyrning): These are sublets from existing tenants. While more readily available, they often come with higher rent and less security. Websites like Blocket Bostad and Samtrygg are popular platforms for finding second-hand rentals. Be very careful about scams and always verify the landlord's identity and the apartment's ownership.
New Construction Projects (Nyproduktion): Some new apartment buildings offer rentals directly. These often have modern amenities but can be more expensive.
Real Estate Agents (Hyresförmedling): While less common for rentals than for property purchases, some real estate agents specialize in rental properties.
Networking: Let your friends, colleagues, and acquaintances know you're looking for an apartment. Word-of-mouth can be a surprisingly effective way to find a rental.
6. Understanding Swedish Tenancy Laws
Swedish tenancy laws are heavily regulated to protect tenants' rights. Here are some key aspects to be aware of:
Security of Tenure (Besittningsskydd): First-hand tenants have strong protection against eviction. Landlords can only terminate a lease for specific reasons, such as non-payment of rent or serious disturbance of neighbors.
Rent Control (Hyresreglering): Rent increases are regulated and must be reasonable. Landlords typically negotiate rent increases with the Hyresgästföreningen (Tenants' Association).
Notice Period (Uppsägningstid): The standard notice period for tenants is three months. Landlords must provide a longer notice period, depending on the length of the tenancy.
Right to Sublet (Rätt att hyra ut i andra hand): Under certain circumstances, tenants have the right to sublet their apartment. However, they typically need the landlord's permission.
Maintenance Responsibilities (Underhållsplikt): Landlords are responsible for maintaining the apartment in good condition. Tenants are responsible for reporting any damages or defects.
It's highly recommended to familiarize yourself with the Swedish tenancy laws to protect your rights as a tenant. The Hyresgästföreningen is a valuable resource for tenants, offering legal advice and support.
7. Navigating the Rental Process in Sweden: A Step-by-Step Guide
Register on Housing Queues (Bostadskö): If you're interested in a first-hand contract, register on the waiting lists of municipal housing companies in your desired area. Be aware that waiting times can be very long.
Search Online Portals: Explore websites like Blocket Bostad, Samtrygg, and others to find available rentals.
Prepare Your Housing CV: Create a comprehensive and professional Housing CV that highlights your strengths as a tenant.
Gather Necessary Documents: Collect copies of your passport, residence permit (if applicable), employment contract, salary slips, and any other relevant documents.
Contact Landlords and Schedule Viewings: Reach out to landlords and express your interest in their properties. Attend viewings and ask questions.
Submit Your Application: Fill out the landlord's application form and provide all required documents.
Undergo a Credit Check: Be prepared for the landlord to perform a credit check.
Sign the Lease Agreement (Hyresavtal): If your application is approved, carefully review the lease agreement before signing it.
Pay the Deposit (Deposition): Pay the required deposit, which is typically one to three months' rent.
Move In and Enjoy Your New Home!
FAQ: Renting in Sweden for Expats
Q: What documents do I need to rent an apartment in Sweden?
A: Typically, you'll need a copy of your passport, residence permit (if applicable), employment contract, salary slips, and a Housing CV.
Q: How do I prove my income if I'm newly employed in Sweden?
A: Provide a copy of your employment contract and a letter from your employer confirming your salary.
Q: Is it common for landlords to require a deposit?
A: Yes, it's very common. The deposit is usually one to three months' rent.
Q: What is a personnummer, and do I need one to rent an apartment?
A: A personnummer is a Swedish personal identity number. While not always required, having one can significantly simplify the rental process, as it's often used for credit checks and other administrative purposes.
Q: How long does it typically take to find an apartment in Sweden?
A: It can vary greatly depending on the city, location, and your requirements. In major cities, it can take several months or even years to find a suitable apartment.
Q: What is the Hyresgästföreningen, and how can they help me?
A: The Hyresgästföreningen (Tenants' Association) is an organization that protects tenants' rights in Sweden. They offer legal advice, support, and advocacy services.
Q: What should I do if I have a dispute with my landlord?
A: Contact the Hyresgästföreningen for assistance. They can help you understand your rights and negotiate with your landlord.
Summary
The rental market in Sweden in 2026 is all about transparency. By using Bofrid's services, both landlords and tenants can benefit from a more secure and efficient process. For expats in Sweden, understanding the local customs and regulations is essential. By proactively building a strong Housing CV and demonstrating your reliability, you can significantly increase your chances of finding the perfect home. Good luck!
