How long can you rent out your apartment?

Renting out your apartment can be an effective way to maximise the use of your home and generate extra income. However, it is important to understand the rules and time limits that apply to subletting, whether it involves a rental apartment or a condominium.

In this article, we explain the key regulations for subletting a rental apartment, how the housing association’s bylaws affect the rental period, why permits are necessary, what role the Rent Tribunal plays in longer rental periods, and how to apply for an extension.

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“The Rent Tribunal plays an important role in disputes and can provide guidance on rental periods.”

Subletting a rental apartment always requires written permission from the landlord. Without this, you risk losing your rental contract. If the landlord refuses your application, you can request a review by the Rent Tribunal. To obtain approval, you must have valid reasons, such as temporary work or studies in another city, long-term stays abroad, or trial living with a partner.

Permission for subletting is usually granted for a limited period, often up to one year. After this period, you may apply for an extension, but this requires that your reasons remain valid and that the landlord or the Rent Tribunal approves further subletting. It is also important to remember that you remain responsible for paying the rent on time and ensuring that the apartment is properly cared for during the rental period.

If you plan to rent out your condominium, it is essential to review the association’s bylaws. These contain specific rules and guidelines governing subletting within the association. Under Swedish law, approval from the board is required to sublet. If the board refuses, you can apply for permission through the Rent Tribunal.

See also: When can a housing association not refuse subletting?

If you plan to rent out your apartment for a longer period than the landlord or the housing association is willing to approve, you may apply for permission from the Rent Tribunal. The tribunal handles cases where the parties disagree and may grant permission if there are valid reasons, such as work or studies in another city.

Rules for renting out residential properties vary widely between countries, which can be useful to know if you are considering renting internationally. In Sweden, rental periods are often strictly regulated, with requirements for approval from landlords or housing associations, and approval is typically granted one year at a time.

In the United Kingdom, renting is generally more flexible, and landlords often decide rental periods without external permits. In the United States, regulations vary between states, but in many areas landlords and tenants can agree freely on short or long term rentals with few legal restrictions.

In Germany, long-term rental contracts are standard and tenants often have strong protection, making it difficult for landlords to terminate contracts without specific reasons. Short-term rentals, such as those offered through services like Guestit, are therefore less common.