# Furnished Rental Apartment: Rules and What You Can Change *Ole Andresen* *31 juli 2026* > Furnished rental apartments in Sweden have specific rules and tenant rights. Learn what you can modify, deposit requirements, and how furnishings affect your lease. ## Furnished Rental Apartment – What Does Swedish Law Say? Furnished rental apartments are a common housing solution in Sweden, but many tenants are uncertain about their rights and what modifications they can make. Unlike unfurnished apartments, furnished rentals come with furniture and fixtures that belong to the landlord, which affects both your obligations and your ability to personalize your home. According to [Hyresgästföreningen](https://www.hyresgastforeningen.se/), furnished rentals are primarily regulated through the lease agreement itself. There is no specific law governing furnished apartments in detail – instead, the contract defines what is included, the condition the furnishings should be in, and what changes you as a tenant are allowed to make. ## What Is Included in Furnishings and What Is the Landlord's Responsibility? Furnishings vary widely between apartments. Some furnished rentals come fully equipped with bed, sofa, table, and chairs, while others contain only basic furniture. It is crucial that you document the condition of the furnishings at move-in – ideally with photographs – to avoid disputes when you move out. The landlord is responsible for ensuring that furnishings are in usable condition when you move in. If furniture is damaged or broken from the start, it is the landlord's duty to repair or replace it. You should never accept furnishings in poor condition without first documenting this in writing and obtaining confirmation from the landlord. ## Can You Change or Replace Furniture in a Furnished Rental? Whether you can modify furnishings depends entirely on what your lease states. Here are the most common scenarios: ### Removing or Replacing Furniture In most furnished rentals, you **cannot** remove or replace furniture on your own. The furnishings are the landlord's property, and removing a chair or replacing a bed without permission can make you liable for damage or loss. If you want to make changes, you must ask the landlord in writing first. Many landlords are willing to discuss modifications, especially if you offer to pay for new furniture or store the old items safely. ### Adding Your Own Furniture It is usually permitted to add your own furniture without the landlord's permission, as long as you do not damage the apartment. You can, for example, place a bookshelf, hang wall decorations, or add an extra bed – but always check your contract first. Some landlords prohibit this to preserve the original appearance of the furnishings. ### Minor Adjustments and Personalization Small changes such as moving furniture within the apartment, changing curtains, or hanging pictures are usually allowed, provided you do not damage the walls or furnishings. ## Furnishings and Lease Terms – What Applies? Your lease should contain a detailed list of which furnishings are included. This list is often called a furniture inventory or inventory checklist. Before signing the contract, it is crucial that you: - Read the furniture list carefully - Verify that everything listed is actually in the apartment - Document any damage or wear on the furnishings - Ask the landlord about permitted modifications The contract should also clarify what happens if furniture breaks during your tenancy. Are you responsible for normal wear and tear, or only for damage you cause through negligence? This is important to know to avoid disputes when you move out. ## Security Deposits for Furnished Apartments Furnished apartments often require higher security deposits than unfurnished ones, as the landlord wants to protect their furniture. Deposits for furnished rentals can be two to three months' rent, compared to often one to two months' rent for unfurnished apartments. When you move out, the landlord will inspect the furnishings carefully. If there is damage beyond normal wear and tear, the deposit may be withheld. Therefore, it is important that you: - Photograph the furnishings at move-in - Keep the furniture in good condition during your tenancy - Conduct a final inspection with the landlord before you move ## How Furnishings Affect Lease Termination and Moving Furnishings can affect the terms for terminating your rental. Some contracts have shorter notice periods for furnished apartments – often two weeks instead of three months – which can be an advantage if you need to move quickly. Other contracts may require longer binding periods for furnished apartments to protect the landlord's investment in the furnishings. Always read the termination terms carefully before signing. ## Common Questions About Furnished Rental Apartments ### Can the Landlord Charge Me for Wear and Tear on Furniture? No, normal wear and tear is the landlord's responsibility. You are only liable for damage you cause through negligence or misuse. Examples of normal wear and tear include a sofa becoming slightly lighter after several years or a chair getting minor scratches. Significant damage or functional impairment is your responsibility. ### What Happens If Furniture Breaks During My Tenancy? It depends on the cause. If something breaks due to a manufacturing defect or normal wear and tear, the landlord is responsible for repair or replacement. If you caused the damage through negligence, you may be held liable. Always report damage to the landlord immediately in writing. ### Can I Paint the Walls in a Furnished Apartment? It depends on your contract. Many furnished apartments are furnished specifically to be temporary, and landlords often want to keep walls in their original color. Always ask before painting. If you do it without permission, you may be required to repaint before you move out. ### Is a Furnished Apartment More Expensive Than an Unfurnished One? Yes, furnished apartments typically cost 10-30% more than comparable unfurnished apartments, depending on the quality of the furnishings and location. You pay for the convenience of not having to buy furniture yourself. ### Can I Terminate a Furnished Apartment Lease Faster Than an Unfurnished One? It varies. Some furnished contracts have shorter notice periods, but others have longer binding periods. Always read your contract carefully – termination terms must be clearly stated.