Before you sign: the Sweden rental contract checklist for newcomers

A Swedish rental can be first-hand, second-hand, a room, a sublet or part of a housing association arrangement. The labels matter because they affect notice periods, permission requirements and what happens if something goes wrong.

Before paying a deposit, ask for the landlord's full name, address, proof that they are allowed to rent out the home and a written contract. For second-hand rentals, it is reasonable to ask whether the landlord has approval from the owner or housing association. A serious landlord should not pressure you to transfer money before basic checks are complete.

Use traceable payments, keep screenshots of listings and conversations, and make an inventory list before you move in. Photograph existing damage on the first day. These small steps can feel formal, but they protect both sides.

If a deal seems unusually cheap, unusually urgent or impossible to view, slow down. Good housing is competitive, but panic is expensive.