How do you get your deposit back in Sweden? Many landlords in Sweden will ask for a security deposit in the beginning of the tenancy. The deposit must be returned once the tenancy ends. Unfortunately, it has become more and more common that tenants don’t get their deposit back.
If this situation happens to you, it is of course annoying and sometimes a bit scary. A deposit is often a rather large chunk of money that few can afford to lose. So what can you do when a landlord in Sweden refuses to return your deposit? Well, let’s look into it.
What you can do if your landlord refuses to return your deposit in Sweden
- Contact Hyresgästföreningen (Swedish Tenants’ Association). Even if you are not a member, they can provide advice on your rights and help mediate the dispute with the landlord. If you are renting, it is a good idea to become a member at Hyresgästföreningen. It is not very expensive and it can be very helpful if you get in trouble with your landlord.
- Check the state of the apartment. Take photos as evidence that it is undamaged and in the same condition as when you moved in. This strengthens your case to get the deposit back.
- Request an itemized deduction list in writing from the landlord if they are claiming costs from the deposit. Under Swedish law, they must justify any deductions.
- If the landlord still refuses and will not provide the deduction list, you can file a claim at Hyresnämnden (the Rent Tribunal). The tribunal will review the case and make a ruling but they do take their time. Count on at least 4-6 months.
- As a last resort, you can sue the landlord in civil court. But this is more lengthy and costly than using the Rent Tribunal process.
- Note that under Swedish law, the maximum deposit a landlord can collect is usually 3 months rent. Anything more than that is considered illegal and they may face fines.
The key is to document everything, know your tenant rights, and use the proper dispute resolution channels like the Rent Tribunal if direct discussions with the landlord don’t solve the issue. The Tenants’ Association can provide guidance on the best approach.
What you should know about getting your deposit back in Sweden
- Hyresgästföreningen will only pursue cases where they believe they have a change to win. Usually there will be a settlement and the tenant will get a part of the deposit back. If the tenant has receipts and a signed contract stating that the deposit is to be paid back, the chances are good to get a part of the deposit back.
- The burden of proof is on the landlord. One argument for not paying back the deposit is often that the tenant caused damage to the apartment or the furniture. However the damage must be beyond the regular wear and tear and the burden of proof lays on the landlord: in other words he / she must be able to prove that the tenant caused the damage.
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