Subletting can make sense if you are leaving Kungsholmen temporarily for work, studies or an extended trip. Before anyone moves in, check the rules for your type of home, obtain the required permission and agree on rent and terms in writing.

How to arrange subletting in Kungsholmen, step by step

Step 1: Check whether your arrangement is a sublet

If someone else has independent use of the apartment while you are away, it will normally count as subletting, even if you charge no rent. A lodger is different: you remain living in the home and share it. If the arrangement is unclear, ask your landlord or housing association before handing over the keys.

Step 2: Find out whose permission you need

For a rented apartment, obtain the landlord’s consent. If the landlord refuses, you may in some circumstances apply to the Rent Tribunal for permission. Renting out without consent or a decision can put your tenancy at risk. The relevant provisions are in the Swedish Land Code; the Swedish Tenants’ Association can also provide guidance on rental questions.

For a tenant-owned apartment, seek consent from the housing association. If it refuses, you can apply to the Rent Tribunal. Check the association’s bylaws and application procedure, and wait for written approval before the rental begins. Permission is generally limited to a specified period; apply again if you want to extend the sublet.

Step 3: Make a complete application

Apply in writing well in advance. State why you want to rent out the home, the proposed dates and who will live there. Include supporting documents where available, such as information about temporary work or studies elsewhere, and provide contact details for the period you are away.

Temporary work or studies in another location, a longer stay abroad, illness and trying living with a partner are examples of reasons that may be considered. Approval is not automatic: the decision depends on the circumstances. For a tenant-owned apartment, the association may also consider the proposed occupant and the effect of the arrangement on the association. Do not treat an application as permission; wait for a written response.

Step 4: Set a reasonable rent

The rules differ by housing type. For a rented apartment, the rent generally starts from the rent you pay yourself. Reasonable additions may be possible for furniture and certain costs, but do not assume a particular percentage is always allowed.

For a tenant-owned apartment, a reasonable return on the home’s market value and actual operating costs are relevant. Furniture may justify an addition. There is no standard Kungsholmen rate that makes a rent reasonable simply because the apartment is in a sought-after area. Keep your calculation and supporting documents, including costs and information about furnishings. If in doubt, seek current advice before advertising the apartment.

Step 5: Choose a tenant and put the terms in writing

Discuss the rental period, payment date, included costs and care of the home. Check references and agree on practical matters such as smoking, pets, cleaning, storage and access to shared facilities. Do not promise anything that conflicts with your own tenancy agreement or the housing association’s rules.

Use a written subletting agreement that identifies both parties and the apartment and sets out the rent, deposit and notice period. Include the start and end dates and make clear that the arrangement depends on obtaining the necessary permission. State what is included in the rent and how electricity, internet and other costs will be handled. A standard template can be a useful starting point, but check that its terms fit your housing type and rental period.

Step 6: Record the condition, keys and payments

Walk through the apartment together before move-in. Take photos of the rooms, furnishings and any existing damage, and prepare a condition report for both parties. List any furniture or equipment left in the home, record the number of keys and agree on how they will be returned.

If you take a deposit, state its amount, purpose and repayment conditions in the agreement. Agree how rent will be paid and keep receipts or bank records. Give the tenant contact details for urgent problems and instructions for reporting defects. Remember that you remain responsible to your landlord or housing association even while someone else occupies the apartment.

Step 7: Keep in touch and close the rental properly

Stay in contact with the tenant and respond promptly if a problem arises. Make sure the rental does not run beyond the dates allowed by the permission or agreement. If you need more time, apply for renewed permission early and extend the agreement in writing only once the necessary approval is in place.

At move-out, compare the apartment with the original condition report. Settle the final payment and deposit under the agreement, collect all keys and document any damage. If you disagree about a deduction, try to resolve the matter in writing and seek advice before withholding money from the deposit.

What is the difference between subletting a rental and a tenant-owned apartment?

The main differences are who grants permission and how rent is assessed. For a rented apartment, ask the landlord and generally use your own rent as the starting point. For a tenant-owned apartment, ask the housing association and account for a reasonable return and operating costs. If either landlord or association refuses, an application to the Rent Tribunal may be possible.

Issue	Rented apartment	Tenant-owned apartment
First permission to request	Landlord	Housing association
If permission is refused	Apply to the Rent Tribunal	Apply to the Rent Tribunal
Rent starting point	Your own rent, with possible reasonable additions	Reasonable return and operating costs, with possible furniture addition
Key documents	Tenancy agreement and written consent	Association bylaws, procedure and written consent

The outcome depends on the circumstances, so do not assume that a neighbour’s arrangement will automatically work for your home. Anyone looking to sublet in Kungsholmen should check the specific agreement and rules that apply to their apartment.

In short, identify your housing type, apply for permission in writing, calculate a reasonable rent and use a clear agreement. Keep records before, during and after the rental to reduce the chance of misunderstandings or disputes.

Can I sublet without permission?

Do not begin a sublet before obtaining the consent or permission required for your housing type. Having a lodger may be different if you continue to live in the apartment, but the distinction depends on how the home is actually used.

How long does it take to get permission?

Processing times vary between landlords, housing associations and the Rent Tribunal. Apply early with complete information, and do not hand over the apartment before you have consent or a decision.

What should a subletting agreement include?

Identify the parties and apartment, and state the rental period, rent, payment terms, deposit and notice period. Also describe what is included, responsibilities for care and inventory, and that the rental depends on the required permission.

Subletting in Kungsholmen: Rules, Permission and Agreements