Lease agreement – mutual security
A written lease agreement is one of the most important prerequisites for a secure rental. It clarifies what you and the tenant have agreed upon and reduces the risk of misunderstandings later on.
A clear agreement makes it easier to build a good relationship from the start and gives both parties something to rely on should questions arise during the rental period.
A lease agreement should include, among other things:
- Who is renting out and contact details
- Who is renting and contact details
- Which home or room is being rented out
- The amount of rent, any deposit, and how it is paid
- Rental period and notice period
- What is included in the rent (for example, furniture, electricity, water, or internet)
- Inventory list and documentation of the home's condition
Notice period – what applies?
The notice period refers to how far in advance an agreement needs to be terminated to cease being valid.
What applies can depend on the type of rental, for example, whether it is an independent residence (subletting) or a room in the home (lodger). It can also depend on what you have agreed upon.
As a starting point, it often applies that:
- A tenant has the option to terminate the agreement with three months' notice
- A landlord, in many cases, also needs to adhere to a notice period
If you have agreed on a fixed rental period, for example one year, the agreement normally applies throughout that entire period. It is therefore important to think through the terms before the contract is signed.
Since rules can differ depending on the situation, we only provide a general overview here. In case of uncertainty, it is wise to find out what applies to your specific situation.
Termination of lease agreements
For a lease agreement to end, it must be terminated. This applies to both open-ended agreements and, in certain cases, agreements with a fixed rental period.
To avoid misunderstandings, it is recommended that the termination:
- Is made in writing
- Is dated
- Clearly states from which date the termination applies
It is important to ensure that the termination has actually reached the other party. Therefore, it is good practice to use a format that can be confirmed, such as a signed document or other agreed-upon communication.
The notice period is often calculated from the beginning of the next calendar month.
Example: If an agreement is terminated on August 12 and the notice period is three months, the agreement usually expires on November 30.
Moving in and moving out – preventing misunderstandings
To avoid ambiguities when moving out, it is important to document the condition of the home as early as move-in.
By jointly inspecting the home and documenting any damages or deficiencies, it becomes clear what existed from the start. This creates security for both landlord and tenant and reduces the risk of disagreement later on.
Use our templates
To make it easy to get started, Akademisk kvart offers ready-made templates for different types of rentals.
The templates help you include the important points to agree on and are designed to serve as support for both parties.
They are available in both Swedish and English. To download the English version, you can change the language on the page.
The templates also include appendices for:
-
Inventory list (furniture and equipment)
-
Documentation of damages and deficiencies at move-in
Where to turn with questions?
If you are unsure about what should be included in an agreement or how termination works, you are welcome to contact our customer service. We can provide general guidance and help you understand what is important to keep in mind.
You can reach us at info@akademiskkvart.se.
We do not offer legal advice, but can, if necessary, refer you to the appropriate authority.
