What does it mean?
The Rent Act, formally Chapter 12 of the Land Code (Jordabalken), is the central legislation governing all rental relationships in Sweden. It covers everything from lease formation to termination, rent increases, maintenance obligations, and dispute resolution.
The law primarily protects tenants through tenant protection (besittningsskydd), rules on reasonable rent, and requirements for landlords to maintain the property. At the same time, it gives landlords the right to collect unpaid rent, terminate leases for serious breaches, and raise rent after negotiation.
The Rent Act is supplemented by special laws like the Private Rental Act (privatuthyrningslagen), which allows more flexible terms when renting out a single home.
Key Points
- Land Code Chapter 12 — the main law for rental relationships
- Covers: contracts, rent, maintenance, termination, tenant protection
- Protects tenants through besittningsskydd and reasonable rent
- Gives landlords rights in cases of serious contract breaches
- Supplemented by the Private Rental Act for single-home rentals
Practical Tip
In disputes with your landlord — always check what the Rent Act says. The Rent Tribunal's website has clear summaries. As a landlord: ensure all terminations and rent increases follow the law's formal requirements.
Legal Basis: Land Code (1970:994) Ch. 12