# Furnished Apartment Rental: Legal Rights & Rules in Sweden *Marit Lindgren* *28 juli 2026* > Furnished apartment rentals in Sweden follow different rules than unfurnished rentals. Learn about tenant rights, deposits, maintenance, and common pitfalls when renting furnished. ## Furnished Apartment Rental – Legal Differences from Unfurnished When you rent a furnished apartment in Sweden, different rules apply compared to a standard unfurnished rental. Furnished apartment rentals are often shorter-term contracts, frequently arranged as second-hand rentals, and the condition of the furniture affects both your obligations and the landlord's responsibility. Understanding these distinctions is crucial to protect your tenant rights. A furnished apartment is typically defined as a home where furniture and household items are already in place—bed, sofa, kitchen, and often kitchen appliances. This differs from an unfurnished apartment where you provide your own furnishings. However, the legal boundary is not always clear-cut, making it essential to read your contract carefully. ## Furnished Rental Rules – What Does Swedish Law Say? Swedish rental law is primarily governed by tenant organizations and the Land Code (Jordabalken). Furnished apartments, especially second-hand rentals, often have shorter lease periods than first-hand rentals. While there is no specific law defining exactly what constitutes a "furnished" apartment, practice shows that: - **Furniture remains the landlord's property** – You cannot sell, exchange, or take furniture with you when you move - **Shorter contracts are standard** – Many furnished apartments are rented for 3–12 months, not indefinitely - **Second-hand rentals are common** – Many furnished apartments are sublets, meaning the original tenant rents to you - **Furniture must be in "reasonable condition"** – The landlord is responsible for usable furniture, but normal wear is your responsibility Always read your contract carefully. It should specify which furniture is included, contract duration, and what happens if something breaks. ## Your Rights and Obligations When Renting Furnished As a tenant renting a furnished apartment, you have both rights and responsibilities. ### Your Rights - Right to a home in rentable condition - Protection from paying for normal wear and tear - Right to a written contract - Right to terminate according to contract terms (often shorter notice periods than unfurnished) ### Your Obligations - Maintain furniture in normal condition - Pay for damage you cause beyond normal wear - Follow contract terms - Pay rent on time ## Deposits and Security – What Applies? A deposit is money you provide as security for following the contract and not damaging the apartment or furniture. Deposits are very common for furnished rentals. **Key deposit rules:** - The landlord must store your deposit in a bank account or equivalent secure location - Deposit cannot be used as rent - You should receive your deposit back when you move, minus any damage or unpaid rent - The landlord must document damage at move-in and move-out Always request an inspection report when moving in and out. Photograph the apartment and furniture upon arrival. This protects you if the landlord later claims you caused damage you're not responsible for. ## Second-Hand Furnished Rentals – Extra Caution Required Many furnished apartments are second-hand rentals, where the original tenant sublets to you. This requires extra attention. **Always verify:** - That subletting is permitted under the original lease - That you receive a written contract from the sublessor - That rent is reasonable (not significantly higher than first-hand) - Who holds your deposit and how it's secured If subletting is prohibited in the original lease, you risk eviction. Always ask the sublessor for written permission. ## Maintenance and Repairs – Who's Responsible? For furnished apartment rentals, it's important to know who handles what. **Landlord's responsibility:** - Major furniture repairs (broken sofa, damaged bed) - Damage from normal wear and tear - Functional defects in kitchen appliances **Your responsibility:** - Daily cleaning and maintenance - Minor repairs and upkeep - Damage you cause through negligence - Ensuring furniture is clean when you move out Always document major damage with photos and notify the landlord in writing. Don't wait until move-out. ## Common Pitfalls and Tips to Protect Yourself - **No written contract** – Never rent without one; verbal agreements are hard to prove - **Unclear furniture lists** – Your contract should list included furniture to avoid disputes at move-out - **Missing inspection reports** – Request reports at move-in and move-out with photographs - **Unusually high second-hand rent** – Compare with first-hand rentals in the area - **Unclear deposit handling** – Ask how deposits are stored and when you'll receive them back ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can the landlord raise rent during the contract period? No, not without contract terms allowing it. Rent is fixed for the lease period. Upon renewal, the landlord can propose an increase, but you can decline. ### What if furniture breaks? It depends on the cause. Normal wear is the landlord's responsibility; damage you cause is yours. Document everything and notify the landlord in writing. ### Can I break the contract early? Depends on your contract. Many furnished leases have shorter notice periods—often 1–3 months. Check your agreement. ### Is second-hand subletting always legal? No, not if the original lease prohibits it. Always verify this before signing. ### How long does it take to get a deposit back? Legally, it should happen within weeks of move-out. If delayed, send a written reminder. ### What furniture must be included? There's no law specifying this. It depends on your contract. A furnished apartment might include just a bed and sofa or a fully equipped home. Read carefully.