Renting Out a Room in Sweden: Lodger vs. Sublet – Rules, Tax & Rights
Wilhelm Gunther2 februari 2026
Hyra ut rum: Inneboende vs Andrahand – Regler, Skatt & Rättigheter
Renting out a room can be a great way to supplement your income in Sweden. Learn all about the rules, tax implications, and rights when renting out a room as a lodger. What's the difference between having a lodger and subletting? Bofrid explains the concepts!
Renting out a room in your home can be a good way to boost your finances in Sweden. But what does it actually mean to have a inneboende (lodger), and how does it differ from subletting an entire apartment? This article covers everything you need to know about renting out a room as a lodger in Sweden, including the rules, tax, and your rights as a landlord. On bofrid.se you can find all the apartments in Sweden that are available for rent, but this article focuses on renting out individual rooms. Read on to learn more!
What Does It Mean to Have a Lodger (Inneboende) in Sweden?
Having a (lodger) means that you, as the holder of the housing (either a rental apartment or a condominium), rent out a room, or part of your home, to another person while you yourself continue to live in the home. This differs from (subletting), where you rent out the entire home and do not live there yourself during the rental period. It is important to remember that even if you rent out a room, you are still the primary tenant or owner of the home.
inneboende
andrahand
The Difference Between a Lodger (Inneboende) and a Subtenant (Andrahandshyresgäst)
The biggest difference lies in your own presence in the home. With a lodger (inneboende), you continue to live there, sharing the kitchen and bathroom (usually) with the person who rents the room from you. When subletting (andrahand), you hand over the entire home to someone else. Legally, this entails different rights and obligations. A lodger has much weaker protection than a subtenant.
Common Misconceptions About Lodgers in Sweden
A common misconception is that lodgers have the same rights as subtenants in Sweden. This is not true. Lodgers are not covered by the same strict legislation that regulates rental relationships, which gives you as a landlord greater freedom, but also a greater responsibility to act correctly and fairly. Another misconception is that you do not have to pay tax on rental income from a lodger. This is incorrect – rental income is taxable in Sweden, but there are standard deductions that can reduce the tax.
Advantages of Having a Lodger in Sweden
The biggest advantage is financial. You get an extra source of income that can help pay the rent or mortgage in Sweden. In addition, it can be nice to have company, and you can share household chores. It is also an opportunity to meet new people and broaden your social network. Finally, it can be a security to have someone in the home, especially if you travel a lot.
What Rules Apply When Renting Out a Room in Sweden?
When you rent out a room as a lodger in Sweden, there are certain rules you should be aware of, both for your own sake and for your lodger's. These rules concern, among other things, agreements, notice periods, and how much you can charge. It is important to be clear and transparent in your communication with the lodger to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts.
Writing a Clear Rental Agreement for Sweden
Even though there is no legal requirement for a written agreement for lodgers in Sweden, it is strongly recommended. The agreement should include information about the rent, payment date, notice period, which areas are included in the rental, and any rules for the use of common areas. A clear agreement creates security for both parties and reduces the risk of disputes.
Notice Period for Lodgers in Sweden
If you have not agreed on a specific notice period, reasonable time applies. What is considered reasonable time may vary depending on the circumstances, but generally one month is considered reasonable in Sweden. However, it is always best to agree on a clear notice period in the rental agreement, for example, one or three months. As a landlord, you may have the right to terminate the agreement with immediate effect if the lodger seriously misbehaves, for example, by disturbing the neighbors or not paying the rent.
Rent: What Can You Charge in Sweden?
You can basically charge whatever rent you want in Sweden, but it is reasonable to base the rent on the size, location, and standard of the room, and include part of your own costs for electricity, water, and internet. If the rent is unreasonably high, the lodger can request that the rent be reduced retroactively. It is therefore wise to be transparent and justify the rent you charge. Feel free to compare with other similar rooms that are rented out in the area to get an idea of the market price in Sweden.
Tax on Rental Income – How Does It Work in Sweden?
Rental income from a lodger is taxable in Sweden, but you are allowed to deduct a certain amount. This means that you do not have to pay tax on the entire rental income, but only on the part that exceeds the deduction. It is important to declare rental income correctly to avoid problems with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket).
Standard Deduction and Other Deductions in Sweden
You are allowed to make a standard deduction of SEK 40,000 per year in Sweden. In addition, you can deduct the part of the rent that corresponds to your own rent for the home. For example, if you pay SEK 10,000 in rent per month and rent out a room that corresponds to 25% of the home, you can deduct 25% of your rent, i.e. SEK 2,500 per month.
Declare Rental Income Step by Step for Sweden
Calculate your total rental income for the year in Sweden.
Calculate the standard deduction (max SEK 40,000).
Calculate the deduction for your own rent (share corresponding to the rented area).
Summarize all deductions.
Deduct the total deductions from your rental income.
Report the taxable income in your tax return under "other income" in Sweden.
Consequences of Not Declaring in Sweden
If you do not declare your rental income, you risk having to pay tax surcharges and, in the worst case, being prosecuted for tax crimes in Sweden. It is therefore important to be careful and report all income correctly. If you are unsure how to declare, you can contact the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) for advice.
What Rights and Obligations Do You Have as a Landlord in Sweden?
As a landlord in Sweden, you have certain rights and obligations towards your lodger. You have the right to charge rent and decide what rules apply in the home, but you also have an obligation to ensure that the home is in good condition and that the lodger can live safely and securely.
Right to Determine Rules in the Home in Sweden
You have the right to decide what rules apply in your home in Sweden, for example, whether smoking is allowed, what times it should be quiet, and how common areas should be used. It is important to inform the lodger of these rules before moving in and to be consistent in maintaining them.
Responsibility for the Condition and Safety of the Home in Sweden
You are responsible for ensuring that the home is in good condition and that it meets all safety requirements in Sweden. This includes ensuring that there are working smoke detectors, that the electrical installations are safe, and that there are no moisture damage or other defects that may affect the lodger's health.
Handling Conflicts with Your Lodger in Sweden
Conflicts can arise in all types of living situations. If you end up in a conflict with your lodger, it is important to try to resolve it in a constructive way in Sweden. Try to talk to each other and listen to each other's points of view. If you cannot agree, you can seek help from a mediator. Ultimately, you may need to terminate the rental agreement.
What Happens If You Want to Rent Out the Entire Apartment Instead in Sweden?
If you want to sublet your entire apartment, different rules apply than for lodgers in Sweden. You need permission from your landlord or housing cooperative to sublet. In addition, special rules apply to how much you can charge in rent.
Applying for Permission for Subletting in Sweden
To get permission to sublet your rental apartment in Sweden, you need to have a valid reason, such as studies or work in another location. The application must be sent to your landlord, who has the right to refuse your application if they have a legitimate reason. If you live in a condominium, you need to apply for permission from the housing cooperative in Sweden.
Rent for Subletting: Reasonable Rent in Sweden
When subletting a rental apartment in Sweden, you can charge a reasonable rent, which means that you can charge the same rent that you yourself pay, plus any additions for furniture and other costs. For condominiums, there are not the same strict rules, but it is still reasonable to base the rent on your own costs for the home.
Unauthorized Subletting: Consequences in Sweden
If you sublet your apartment without permission, you risk losing your rental or condominium in Sweden. It is therefore important to always apply for permission before renting out. Bofrid recommends that you always follow laws and regulations to avoid problems.
Common Questions
Do I need approval from the landlord to have a lodger in Sweden?
No, generally you do not need approval from the landlord to have a lodger in Sweden, as long as you yourself continue to live in the home. However, it is important that you do not rent out the entire home, as this counts as subletting and requires permission.
What happens if my lodger doesn't pay the rent in Sweden?
If your lodger does not pay the rent on time, you have the right to terminate the rental agreement in Sweden. It is important that you have a written agreement that clearly states the payment terms and the consequences of non-payment.
Can I terminate my lodger without a reason in Sweden?
Yes, you can terminate your lodger without a reason in Sweden, but you must follow the notice period specified in the rental agreement. If there is no agreed notice period, reasonable time applies, which is usually one month.
Am I responsible for my lodger's actions in Sweden?
You may be responsible for your lodger's actions if they cause damage to the home or disturb the neighbors in Sweden. It is therefore important that you have a good dialogue with your lodger and that you agree on what rules apply.
Where can I find a good rental agreement for lodgers in Sweden?
There are several templates for rental agreements for lodgers available online in Sweden. You can also contact a lawyer for help writing an agreement that is tailored to your specific needs. Search for "hyresavtal inneboende mall" to find options.
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