Cooperative Apartment (Bostadsrätt)
What does it mean?
A bostadsrätt means you purchase a share in a housing cooperative (bostadsrättsförening/BRF), which in turn owns the building. You don't own the apartment itself — you own the right to live in it. The price is set by the open market and varies significantly by location and condition.
As a cooperative member, you pay a monthly fee to the association covering shared costs like heating, water, property management, and loan payments. You're responsible for interior maintenance — kitchen, bathroom, flooring — while the association handles exterior maintenance and plumbing.
When subletting your cooperative apartment, you need board approval. Rent can be set more freely than for rental apartments, but must not be "unreasonable" — the Rent Tribunal can reduce it if the tenant appeals.
Key Points
- You own a share in the association, not the apartment itself
- Monthly fee covers shared costs and association loans
- You're responsible for interior maintenance, the association for exterior
- Subletting requires board approval
- Price set by the market — can vary significantly
Practical Tip
Even if you own a bostadsrätt, you can sublet it through platforms like Bofrid. Remember to apply for permission from the board first, and note that the rent must not be unreasonable.