# Rent Negotiation During Renovation: What Applies? *16 juni 2026* > Is your rental property facing renovation? Learn everything about rent negotiation during renovation and your rights as a tenant. ## Introduction Renovating a rental property can be a positive experience, but it can also raise questions about rent. What exactly applies when your landlord plans a major renovation, and how does **rent negotiation during renovation** work? This article will guide you through the process, your rights, and how to navigate conversations with your landlord to ensure a fair agreement. Understanding your rights is crucial, especially regarding potential rent increases following renovations. Many tenants worry about the costs, but laws and practices protect you. We will delve into what is permissible, how rent negotiation during renovation should proceed, and the tools at your disposal. ## Your Rights as a Tenant During Renovation In Sweden, tenants have strong rights concerning renovations that affect their living situation. The Tenancy Act (Jordabalken, Chapter 13) governs these scenarios. A landlord has the right to carry out necessary renovations to maintain the property, but this must not be done in a way that unreasonably disturbs tenants or leads to excessive costs. ### What Constitutes Renovation? Renovations can range from minor updates to extensive pipe replacements and facade renovations. It's important to distinguish between maintenance measures and those aimed at modernizing or improving the standard of the apartments or the building. Improvement works that are not strictly necessary for the property's preservation can give the tenant a stronger negotiating position. ### Right to Rent Reduction During Disturbances If the renovation causes significant disturbances – such as noise, dust, limited access to the apartment, or if you must temporarily move out – you may be entitled to a temporary rent reduction. The amount of reduction depends on how disruptive the renovation is. This is an important aspect of **rent negotiation during renovation**, as it can compensate for the inconveniences you face. ## Rent Negotiation During Renovation: The Process When a renovation is planned and may lead to a rent increase, it's time for rent negotiation. This is a dialogue between you as the tenant and your landlord. ### Information from the Landlord The landlord is obligated to inform tenants well in advance about planned renovations, especially if they affect the living environment or could lead to a rent increase. The information should include a description of the work, a timeline, and a justification for any rent adjustment. This information forms the basis for constructive **rent negotiation during renovation**. ### Negotiating Rent Increases If the renovation involves an improvement to the apartment or building from which you, as a tenant, will benefit, the landlord may be entitled to increase the rent. However, the increase must be reasonable and proportionate to the improvement. The Tenants' Association (Hyresgästföreningen) is an important party that can assist in negotiations and provide advice on what constitutes a reasonable rent increase during renovation. ### What is a Reasonable Rent Increase? There is no exact formula, but during **rent negotiation during renovation**, reasonableness is assessed based on several factors: * **Type of renovation:** Is it necessary maintenance or a standard-enhancing measure? * **Period of benefit:** How long will you benefit from the renovation? * **Cost:** What are the landlord's actual costs for the renovation? * **Previous rent level:** Was the rent already high or low compared to similar properties? If an agreement cannot be reached, the matter can be brought before the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden). ## Renovation and Tenancy Rights: Common Questions ### ### Can rent be increased by any amount during renovation? No, the rent increase must be reasonable and justified by the improvements made. For renovations that are solely maintenance, or cause major disturbances, the rent cannot be increased. If the renovation is standard-enhancing, an increase may occur, but it must be proportionate. ### ### How long must I have lived in the apartment to have the right to rent negotiation? There is no specific time limit on how long you must have lived in the apartment to have the right to rent negotiation. However, a landlord may have the right to carry out renovations regardless of how long you have lived there, but the negotiation is based on the specific situation. ### ### What should I do if I can't reach an agreement with the landlord? If you cannot reach an agreement in a rent negotiation during renovation, you can turn to the Tenants' Association for support and advice. If no agreement is reached, the case can be taken to the Rent Tribunal, which can make a decision on the dispute. ### ### How does renovation affect my tenancy rights? Renovation itself does not affect your fundamental tenancy rights, as long as the landlord complies with current legislation. You continue to have the right to live in your apartment after the renovation, but the rent may be adjusted if the renovation involved a standard improvement. If the renovation is so extensive that you must move out temporarily, this should be regulated in a separate agreement. ### ### What types of renovations can lead to a rent increase? Standard-enhancing renovations, such as new kitchens, fully tiled bathrooms, or the installation of an elevator, can entitle the landlord to increase the rent. Renovations solely for maintenance, like painting a stairwell or replacing broken windows, usually do not justify a rent increase. Therefore, **rent negotiation during renovation** becomes particularly relevant when improvements are involved.