Rent increase in Södertälje: how it works when the rent is raised

Can the rent be increased during an ongoing tenancy in Södertälje? Yes. Your landlord may raise the rent for an apartment you rent as a first-hand or second-hand tenant, but it requires a written notice and that the new rent is reasonable. Here we go through what the Swedish Rent Act (Jordabalken) says about rent increases, what the landlord's notice must contain, how long you have to object, and what happens if you cannot agree and the rent tribunal gets to assess whether the increase is reasonable.

What the law says about rent increases

The landlord may not simply raise the rent on their own initiative and start charging the new rent next month. According to Chapter 12, Section 54 of the Swedish Rent Act, a landlord who wants to change the rental terms must send you, the tenant, a written notice. You should first try to agree on the new rent. If you cannot agree, the landlord has the right to apply to the rent tribunal for a change of the rental terms. Such an application may be made no earlier than one month after the notice has been served on you.

For leases that run until further notice in a building not covered by the rent negotiation order, special rules in Chapter 12, Section 54 a apply. The notice of rent increase must then contain:

• the requested rent increase, stated in kronor, and the total rent after the increase
• the day the new rent is to take effect
• information that you are obliged to pay the higher rent unless you notify the landlord by a specified day that you object to the increase
• the landlord's address
• an explanation that the rent tribunal can assess whether the requested rent is reasonable, and what you need to do to have such an assessment carried out

The day by which you must at the latest object to the increase must be no earlier than two months after the notice was served on you.

How long do you have to object?

If you receive a written notice of a rent increase that meets the requirements of Section 54 a, you have at least two months from when the notice was served on you to decide. You must notify the landlord in writing that you object to the increase. If you do not do so within the specified time, you are deemed to have agreed to pay the higher rent. The higher rent may take effect only after the day specified as the last day for objecting to the increase.

It is important that you reply in writing and keep a copy of your reply. A verbal objection is not enough.

What is a reasonable rent?

According to Chapter 12, Section 55 of the Swedish Rent Act, the rent shall be set at a reasonable amount. A rent is not considered reasonable if it is significantly higher than the rent for apartments that are equivalent in terms of utility value. When the rent tribunal assesses whether a rent increase is reasonable, it shall first and foremost take into account rents determined in rent negotiation agreements under the Rent Negotiation Act (1978:304). If a comparison cannot be made with apartments in the town, the rent for equivalent apartments in another town with a comparable rental market may be used instead.

For you living in Södertälje, this means that the rent tribunal compares your apartment with other apartments in the area that have approximately the same utility value — size, condition, location and equipment.

The rent tribunal in Södertälje settles the dispute

If you object to the rent increase and you cannot agree, the landlord may apply to the rent tribunal for the rent to be changed. The rent tribunal then assesses whether the requested increase is reasonable. A decision to change the rental terms is considered an agreement on the terms for continued letting.

More information on how to apply is available from the Swedish Union of Tenants and on the rent tribunal's own pages. You can also read more about how an application to the rent tribunal works in our guide to the rent tribunal in Södertälje.

Common mistakes to avoid

Not replying in writing. A verbal objection is not enough if the landlord has sent a formal notice.

Waiting too long. You have at least two months, but do not wait until the last day.

Not keeping documents. Keep the notice from the landlord and your own written objection.

Believing that the landlord can raise the rent immediately. The higher rent may take effect only after the date specified in the notice.

Step by step if you receive a rent increase notice

1. Read the notice carefully. Check that it contains the requested increase in kronor, the total rent, the date the new rent is to take effect, and which day is the last day for objecting to the increase.

2. Decide whether you accept the increase. Compare the requested rent with the rent for equivalent apartments in your area.

3. If you object to the increase: send a written notice to the landlord before the specified date expires.

4. If you cannot agree, the landlord may apply to the rent tribunal. You can then take part in the assessment and show that the requested rent is significantly higher than for equivalent apartments.

5. Keep all correspondence. It may be needed if the case goes to the rent tribunal.

FAQ

Can the rent be increased as often as the landlord wants? There is no fixed maximum for how often the rent may be increased, but every increase must be reasonable and notified in writing in advance.

Can I sublet if the rent is increased? A rent increase does not in itself affect your right to sublet, but you still need the landlord's consent or the rent tribunal's approval.

Who can I turn to for help? The Swedish Union of Tenants gives advice to its members on rent increases and rent tribunal cases. You can also contact the rent tribunal directly for information on how an application works.

Do these rules apply to subletting too? Yes, the basic rules on reasonable rent and written notice also apply to subletting, but there are special rules on how high a sublet rent may be.