Painting & Wallpapering in a Swedish Rental Apartment 2026: Your Rights
Living in a rental apartment involves balancing personalizing your home and respecting the property owner's rights. Many tenants in Sweden wonder what they are actually allowed to do themselves when it comes to painting and wallpapering. This article from Bofrid provides a comprehensive guide to your rights and obligations as a tenant, so you can create a pleasant home without risking unnecessary costs or conflicts. We will go through the latest rules, provide practical examples, and answer frequently asked questions about painting and wallpapering in rental apartments in Sweden. So, what actually applies in 2026? Let's dive into the details! This guide provides you with valuable information to navigate the rental apartment jungle and ensure you feel confident in your choices. Read on to learn more!
What does the law say about painting and wallpapering in rental apartments in Sweden?
The Swedish Rental Act (Jordabalken 12 kapitel) is the law that regulates the relationship between landlord and tenant in Sweden. This law gives the tenant the right to use the apartment, but also the obligation to take care of it. When it comes to painting and wallpapering, there is no specific law that says exactly what is permitted or prohibited, but it is a matter of assessing what is considered normal wear and tear and what goes beyond that.
The tenant's right to use the apartment
The tenant has the right to use the apartment in a way that is normal for housing. This includes furnishing, decorating, and putting up pictures. But it also means that you must be careful and avoid causing unnecessary damage. According to the Swedish Rental Act, you have the right to make minor changes to the apartment, but these must not negatively affect the apartment's value or make it difficult to rent out to the next tenant. It is important to remember that this right comes with a responsibility.
What is considered normal wear and tear?
Normal wear and tear is the type of damage that occurs through normal use of the apartment. This may include minor scratches on the walls, fading of wallpaper, or minor marks on the floor. The landlord cannot demand compensation for normal wear and tear. However, the tenant may be liable to pay for damage caused by negligence or carelessness. An example of normal wear and tear may be that a picture has hung on the wall and left a small mark.
Scope of the restoration obligation
When the tenant moves out, in some cases they have an obligation to restore the apartment to the condition it was in upon moving in. However, this does not apply to normal wear and tear. If the tenant has made major changes, such as painting the walls in a different color or putting up a feature wallpaper, the landlord may require this to be restored. It is therefore important to always communicate with the landlord before making major changes to the apartment.
How do the 2026 rules affect painting and wallpapering?
It is important to note that there are not necessarily major regulatory changes every year in Sweden. The Swedish Rental Act is relatively stable, but the interpretation of the law and practice can evolve over time through court decisions and negotiations between tenant associations and landlords. No dramatic changes are expected in 2026, but it is always good to stay updated on the latest case law and the recommendations given by relevant organizations.
New court decisions and their impact
Court decisions can affect how the Swedish Rental Act is interpreted in practice. For example, if a new decision clarifies what is considered normal wear and tear, it may affect what requirements the landlord can place on the tenant upon moving out. It is therefore important to follow legal developments and take part in information from, for example, the Swedish Tenants' Association (Hyresgästföreningen).
Negotiations between tenant associations and landlords
The Swedish Tenants' Association and landlords regularly negotiate rental terms and other issues related to housing in Sweden. These negotiations can lead to new recommendations or guidelines that affect what is considered acceptable when it comes to painting and wallpapering. It is therefore good to be a member of the Tenants' Association, as they can give you current information and support.
Tips for staying updated on the rules
To be sure that you are following the latest rules in Sweden, it is a good idea to regularly visit the Swedish Tenants' Association's website, read the newspaper Hem & Hyra, and participate in any information meetings organized by your landlord or the Tenants' Association. You can also contact Bofrid's experts for advice and guidance.
Am I allowed to repaint the walls in my rental apartment in Sweden?
Generally speaking, you have the right to repaint the walls in your rental apartment in Sweden, but there are certain restrictions. You may not choose any color you want, and you must ensure that the work is carried out in a professional manner. It is also important to remember that you may be required to restore the walls to their original color when you move out, if the landlord requires it.
Which colors are allowed to paint with?
You should avoid painting the walls in strong or unusual colors, such as bright pink or black. Instead, you should choose neutral colors such as white, gray, or beige. If you want to paint in a different color, you should first talk to your landlord and get approval. It is always best to have a written agreement, so that there are no misunderstandings afterward.
Requirements for professional execution
When you repaint the walls, you must ensure that the work is carried out in a professional manner. This means that you must use the right tools and materials, and that you must prepare the surface properly before you start painting. If you are not used to painting, it may be a good idea to hire a professional painter. If you do a bad job, the landlord may require you to fix the errors, or even charge you for them to fix them.
Restoration obligation upon moving out
If you have repainted the walls in a different color than the original, the landlord may require you to restore them when you move out. This is especially true if you have chosen a color that is difficult to cover. To avoid problems, it is best to always talk to the landlord before repainting, and to agree on what applies when moving out.
Am I allowed to re-wallpaper in my rental apartment in Sweden?
Re-wallpapering in a rental apartment in Sweden is generally more complicated than repainting. This is because wallpaper can be difficult to remove and it can be difficult to find a wallpaper that matches the original. Just as with painting, it is important to talk to the landlord before you get started.
Which types of wallpaper are allowed?
You should avoid putting up wallpapers that are difficult to remove, or that have a pattern that is difficult to match. Instead, you should choose wallpapers that are easy to put up and remove, and that have a neutral pattern. If you want to put up a feature wallpaper, you should first talk to your landlord and get approval.
Risk of damage when wallpapering
When you wallpaper, there is a risk that you will damage the walls. For example, you may tear off pieces of the plasterboard when you remove the old wallpaper. If you cause damage to the walls, the landlord may require you to fix them, or even charge you for them to fix them. It is therefore important to be careful and to use the right tools and methods.
Alternatives to re-wallpapering
If you do not want to re-wallpaper, you can consider other alternatives, such as putting up a wall hanging, a painting, or a mirror. You can also use decorative wall decals or self-adhesive wallpapers, which are easy to put up and remove. These alternatives can be a good way to put your personal touch on the apartment without risking damage to the walls.
What happens if I do something unauthorized?
If you do something unauthorized, such as repainting the walls in a different color without permission, the landlord may take action. In the worst case, you may be evicted from the apartment. It is therefore important to always communicate with the landlord and to follow the rules that apply in Sweden.
Landlord's right to demand restoration
The landlord has the right to demand that you restore the apartment to the condition it was in upon moving in, if you have made unauthorized changes. This may mean that you have to repaint the walls, remove wallpapers, or fix damage that you have caused. If you do not do this, the landlord can hire a craftsman and charge you for the cost.
Risk of termination
In serious cases, the landlord can terminate you from the apartment if you have made unauthorized changes. This can happen, for example, if you have caused major damage to the apartment, or if you have refused to restore it to its original condition. A termination can have major consequences for you, so it is important to avoid getting into such a situation.
How to avoid conflicts with the landlord
The best way to avoid conflicts with the landlord is to always communicate and to be clear about what you plan to do. Ask for permission before making any major changes, and make sure you have a written agreement. Also be prepared to compromise and to take responsibility for any damage you cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here we answer some frequently asked questions about painting and wallpapering in rental apartments in Sweden.
Am I allowed to put up pictures on the walls?
Yes, you are allowed to put up pictures on the walls, but you must be careful not to cause unnecessary damage. Use the right type of nail or hook, and avoid making large holes in the wall.
Who pays for paint and wallpaper?
If you are allowed to repaint or re-wallpaper, it is you as the tenant who bears the cost of paint and wallpaper. The landlord is not obliged to pay for this, unless you have agreed otherwise.
What do I do if I am unsure of what applies?
If you are unsure of what applies, you should always contact your landlord or the Swedish Tenants' Association and ask. It is better to be on the safe side than to risk getting into a conflict. You can also contact Bofrid for expert advice.
Can the landlord deny me permission to repaint?
Yes, the landlord can deny you permission to repaint, especially if you want to use a color that is not neutral or if the landlord has plans to renovate the apartment shortly. It is important to respect the landlord's decision and to try to find a solution that works for both parties.
