# Rental Agreement During Renovation: Your Rights as a Tenant *16 juni 2026* > Renovations can be disruptive, but what does your rental agreement say about them? Learn your rights as a tenant during renovations and how to seek compensation for disturbances. ## Introduction Living in a property undergoing renovation can be challenging. Whether it's a major building conversion or a minor refresh of your own apartment, it's crucial to understand your rights and obligations. A well-defined rental agreement during renovation is the foundation for a secure living situation, even amidst construction. This guide provides an overview of what applies, how you can act, and what compensation options are available when your landlord carries out renovation work. ## What Does the Law Say About Renovations? Swedish rental legislation, primarily the Tenancy Act (Chapter 12 of the Land Code), governs the relationship between tenant and landlord. The law offers strong protection to tenants, especially regarding disturbances and impact on the living environment. When a landlord plans a renovation that significantly affects the tenant's living conditions, specific rules must be followed. These rules aim to balance the landlord's right to maintain and modernize the property with the tenant's right to a good living environment. ### Landlord's Obligations The landlord is obligated to provide an apartment that is in a condition suitable for its intended purpose. This includes taking necessary measures to maintain the property. If a renovation causes significant disturbances, such as noise, dust, limited access to the apartment, or withdrawal of amenities (like hot water or heating), the tenant may be entitled to various forms of compensation. The landlord must also provide advance notice to tenants about upcoming renovations, especially if they are expected to cause extensive disruptions. ### Tenant's Rights During Renovation As a tenant, you have the right to demand that disturbances are minimized. If the renovation leads to significant inconveniences, you may be entitled to: * **Rent Reduction:** If the apartment cannot be used as usual due to the renovation, for example, if parts of it are closed off or if there is extreme noise, you may be entitled to a temporary reduction in rent. The amount of reduction depends on the severity of the inconvenience. * **Damages/Compensation:** If your property is damaged due to the renovation work, or if you incur additional costs (e.g., for eating out if the kitchen is unusable), you may be entitled to compensation. * **Right to Terminate the Agreement:** In exceptional cases, if the disturbances are extremely severe and long-lasting, you may have the right to terminate your rental agreement prematurely. ## Disturbances During Renovation and Your Right to Compensation Disturbances during a renovation can manifest in many ways: loud noises from drilling and hammering, dust entering the apartment, limited access to common areas, or even temporary interruptions in water or electricity supply. It's important to distinguish between normal neighborly noise and the extensive disturbances a renovation can entail. A rental agreement during renovation should clarify how such situations are handled. ### How to Document Disturbances To claim compensation, it is crucial to meticulously document the disturbances. This can include: * **Photos and Videos:** Document damage to your property or the general disturbances. * **Notes:** Record the date, time, and type of disturbance. Describe how it affects your daily life. * **Save Receipts:** If you have incurred extra costs due to the renovation, such as eating at restaurants or temporary accommodation, save all receipts. * **Contact the Landlord in Writing:** Inform the landlord about the issues as early as possible and request action. Save all correspondence. ### Negotiating Rent Reduction If you believe you are entitled to a rent reduction during a renovation, you should first contact your landlord to discuss the matter. Try to reach an agreement on a reasonable rent reduction for the period the disturbances are ongoing. If an agreement cannot be reached, you can turn to the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) to have the dispute adjudicated. It is important not to stop paying rent without an agreement or a decision from the Rent Tribunal, as this could lead to you being considered late with your rent payment. ## When the Renovation Directly Affects Your Apartment Sometimes, renovations may require your own apartment to be renovated, either at your request or at the landlord's initiative. Special rules also apply here. ### Renovation at the Landlord's Initiative If the landlord intends to carry out extensive renovations in your apartment (e.g., pipe replacement, complete kitchen or bathroom renovation) that require you to move out temporarily, you have the legal right to terminate the agreement. If you choose not to terminate the agreement, you are entitled to a rent reduction for the period the work is ongoing and you cannot fully utilize the apartment. The landlord must notify you at least three months in advance about the scope and estimated duration of the work. ### Renovation at Your Request If you wish to make alterations or renovations in your apartment yourself, you typically need written permission from the landlord. This is especially true for extensive changes, such as moving walls, altering the floor plan, or modifying electrical and plumbing systems. The terms for these renovations are regulated by a separate agreement, and it's important to understand your responsibilities regarding restoration and any associated costs. ## FAQ: Common Questions About Rental Agreements During Renovation ### ### Can a landlord renovate without my consent? Yes, a landlord has the right to maintain and modernize the property, even if it causes disturbances for you as a tenant. However, the landlord must follow the rules of the Tenancy Act, which includes providing advance notice and ensuring you may be entitled to compensation if the disturbances are significant. ### ### How much can the rent be reduced during a renovation? The amount of rent reduction is individual and depends on the severity of the inconvenience and how much of the apartment or its amenities cannot be used. There is no fixed percentage; it's about what is reasonable. Reductions often range between 10% and 40%, but can be higher in extreme cases. If you cannot reach an agreement, the Rent Tribunal can decide. ### ### What happens if the renovation damages my property? If your property is damaged due to the renovation work, you are entitled to compensation from the landlord. It is important to document the damage and report it to the landlord immediately. Keep any receipts for repairs or new purchases. ### ### Can I move out temporarily during the renovation? If the renovation is so extensive that you cannot live in your apartment, you may have the right to move out temporarily. During this period, you might be entitled to a rent reduction or compensation for double living costs, depending on the circumstances and what has been agreed with the landlord or decided by the Rent Tribunal. ### ### How long does it take to get compensation? There is no set time limit, but it is important to act promptly. Contact your landlord in writing as soon as the disturbances begin or the damage occurs. If you cannot reach an agreement, you may need to approach the Rent Tribunal, which can take time. Therefore, good documentation and clear communication are crucial.