Renting an Apartment in Sweden

Information for International Applicants

Find answers to the most common questions about renting an apartment in Sweden as an international applicant. Learn how to apply, sign your contract remotely, and understand Swedish rental policies.

At ByggVesta, we are proud to welcome residents from all over the world, including international researchers, professionals, and students who choose to make Sweden their home. We understand that relocating to a new country can raise many questions, and we are here to make the process as smooth as possible.

If you have any additional questions, our rental administration team will be happy to assist you. Contact information below.

The Apartment

What is included in the apartment?

Our apartments are not furnished. As a first-hand rental, each unit usually includes:

  • Wardrobes
  • Major kitchen appliances (stove, fridge, etc.)
  • A designated space for a dishwasher (except in one-room apartments)
  • A designated space for a microwave
  • A washing machine, dryer, or combined washer/dryer (a few areas feature a shared laundry room instead)

All included features can be seen in detail on the floor plan.

Can you provide the apartment measurements?

To see the apartment’s measurements you can use the scale tool located in the bottom left corner of the floor plan. The scale is 1:100, meaning 1 cm on the plan equals 1 meter in reality.

How do I sign an electricity contract? Can it be done remotely?

The electricity network owner is listed in your Welcome Letter. You are free to choose any electricity supplier. You can compare prices and sustainability, for example, via elskling.se.

If you need the facility ID to sign your contract, please contact the rental administration.

In some areas electricity is measured individually and charged separately based on your actual consumption. If so, you do not choose supplier. Information specific to each property is provided in the Welcome Letter.

The Rent

What is included in the rent?

What’s included in the rent may vary depending on the property. Please check the advertisement or contact the rental administration for details.

In most properties, the first two months include an estimated flat-rate fee for hot water. After that, you will pay based on your actual consumption.

In most cases, you will sign your own contracts for electricity and internet, but this can vary. Information specific to each property is provided in the Welcome Letter.

When do I need to pay the rent?

Rent is paid monthly in advance and must reach us no later than the last weekday of the previous month.

If your contract begins on a date other than the 1st, payment must be received the day before your contract starts.

You can always find your rental notice on ”My pages/Mina sidor”. Late payments are automatically sent to reminder/debt collection without prior notice. Reminders are issued by the debt collector, and you should contact them directly if you receive one.

I need to make the first payment via international bank transfer.

International bank transfer is possible for your first rental payment. Please obtain a Swedish bank account as soon as you can. Contact our rental administration for bank details.

The Contract

How do I sign the contract? Can it be done remotely?

Contracts are signed electronically on your profile on ”Mina sidor/My Pages”. You will receive an email when the agreement is ready to sign.

I don’t have a BankID or Swedish Personal Number yet.

A BankID is not required to sign the contract.
However, please apply for a Swedish Personal Number as soon as possible, as you will need it for most services in Sweden.

Can I see the apartment or neighborhood before signing?

If a viewing of the apartment is available, this will be stated in the ad.
Please use the floor plan and the photos/videos of the area on our website to get a good understanding. Use this link to see our areas.
You are also very welcome to explore the neighborhood on foot.

Moving In

I would like to book a parking space.

Parking is managed by the garage owner. Please register directly with them. Their contact details are provided in your Welcome Letter.

When will I receive information about key collection?

Key collection can vary, depending on your contract start date and the location. All details and the pickup location are stated in your Welcome Letter.

What do I need to bring when collecting my keys?

When collecting the keys to your apartment, please bring:

  • Your ID
  • Proof of payment for the first month’s rent
  • Proof of an active home insurance policy for your new address (starting from the contract start date)

Can someone collect the keys on my behalf?

Yes: With a signed power of attorney.
Please contact the rental administration to receive the document and notify us in advance.

The person collecting the keys on your behalf must bring:

  • A copy of your ID
  • Their own ID
  • The signed power of attorney
  • Proof that the first rent is paid
  • Proof of an active home insurance policy from the contract start date

After You Move In

Once you have moved in, you will have access to your rental notices, the ability to submit maintenance requests, and other important housing information through “Mina sidor/My Pages”.

If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us at: hyresadmin@byggvesta.se

Additional Questions About Renting an Apartment in Sweden

What does a first-hand rental contract mean in Sweden?

A first-hand rental contract (förstahandskontrakt) is highly valued in Sweden because it gives you long-term tenancy rights and strong legal protection. As long as you follow the terms of the contract and pay your rent on time, you can typically keep the apartment indefinitely, which offers stability and security that many international tenants appreciate.

If you sign a student contact you can stay as long as you continue to study, for a maximum of 6 years.

Why does Sweden use a housing queue system?

Unlike many countries, Sweden uses a public queue system instead of bidding or private negotiation. This system is designed to be fair, transparent, and equal for all applicants. Your position in the queue is based on how long you have been registered, not on income level beyond basic requirements, negotiation skills, or personal connections.

How strong are tenant rights in Sweden?

Swedish rental law is known for offering tenants clear and strong protections. For example, rent increases are regulated, and your contract cannot be terminated without specific legal grounds. This gives tenants a high degree of safety and predictability.

Why do I need home insurance?

Home insurance is standard in Sweden and required for all tenants. It protects both you and the property in case of accidents, damage, or theft. A basic home insurance policy is affordable and covers essential situations that might otherwise become costly.

Is it common for apartments to be unfurnished?

Yes, in Sweden, unfurnished apartments are the norm. Tenants bring (or buy) their own furniture, and it is common to furnish the apartment gradually over time. Each unit includes major kitchen appliances (stove, fridge, etc.) and wardrobes.

Why do I need a Swedish Personal Number?

While not needed to sign your contract, you will need a Swedish Personal Number (personnummer) for most practical matters, such as opening a bank account, accessing healthcare, and setting up various contracts. We recommend applying as soon as possible after arriving in Sweden.

Rent Apartment in Sweden

How do I apply for an Apartment with ByggVesta?

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1. Create an account in our housing queue

Start by registering as a housing applicant (completely free of charge). You can create an account from the day you turn 16. Fill in all required information and upload the requested documents. Quick and easy!

Rental Policy

To apply for an apartment with us, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a stable economy without payment remarks
  • Have a yearly income (before tax) equivalent to approximately three times the yearly rent
  • For student apartments, a certificate of enrollment is required.

You can find all details in our rental policy.

En grön gemensam trädgård framför ett modernt lägenhetshus med ett stort växthus i mitten, omgiven av upphöjda odlingsbäddar och sittplatser under en pergola.

2. Register your interest

Once your account is created and you are logged in, you may register interest for up to three available apartments at the same time. You can easily follow your applications under “My Applications/Mitt sökande” on My Pages/Mina sidor.

Modernt vardagsrum med naturligt ljus, blå soffa, vitt runt soffbord och balkongåtkomst

3. Viewing of the apartment

If you are among the ten applicants with the highest queue points, you will be invited to a viewing of the apartment. After the viewing, you can confirm whether you wish to remain interested.

For newly built properties, viewings are usually not possible, but we provide photos and videos of sample apartments.

4. Receive a contract

If you accept the offer, are first in the queue, and meet our rental requirements, you will receive a rental contract.

The agreement also includes our shared commitment to sustainable living, covering environmental and safety-promoting measures.

Please note that we reserve the right to make the final tenant selection.

Contact

Rental Administration Team