Rights and Obligations for Landlords
Renting out a home to a student can feel unfamiliar if you haven't had a tenant before. At the same time, it is important to know that as a landlord, you have both rights and obligations. When both parties know what applies, it creates a safer rental experience and reduces the risk of misunderstandings.
This page provides an overall picture of what is good to know when you rent out – whether it concerns a room in the home (lodger) or an independent residence (subletting).
Your rights as a landlord
As a landlord, you have the right to set reasonable requirements for how the home is used. This means, for example, that the tenant should take care of the home, show consideration for neighbors, and follow what you have agreed upon in the lease agreement.
You also have the right to receive the rent paid on time according to the agreement. If something is not working in the accommodation, you have the right to receive information from the tenant so that you can rectify it.
At the same time, it is important to remember that the tenant has the right to a private home during the rental period. This means that you cannot enter the home or the room without having agreed upon it in advance, even if you own the property.
Your obligations as a landlord
When you rent out, you are responsible for ensuring the home maintains a basic standard. This means that things like heating, water, electricity, and other functions included in the agreement are working.
What you have stated in the advertisement and agreed upon in the contract must also be true in practice. If the home is furnished, the furniture should be in place, and if internet or other costs are included, they should function as promised.
If something stops working during the rental period, it is you as the landlord who is responsible for rectifying the problem within a reasonable time.
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 ambiguities later on.
A lease agreement should include, among other things:
- Who is renting out and their contact details
- Who is renting and their 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
A clear agreement is not just security for you as a landlord – it also makes it easier to build a good relationship with your tenant from the start.
Rent and Akademisk kvart's guidelines
As a landlord, you determine the rent, but when you advertise via Akademisk kvart, the rent must follow our guidelines for what we assess as a reasonable level for students.
We do this to:
- Create a safe and transparent market
- Ensure that students have the opportunity to apply for the housing
- Reduce the risk of misunderstandings or disputes
It is important that the rent stated in the advertisement matches the one written in the contract. Hidden fees or changes after the fact are not permitted on the platform.
Common misunderstandings
A common misunderstanding is that as a landlord, you can make changes to the terms during an ongoing rental period, such as adjusting the rent or changing what is included. In practice, such changes need to be agreed upon by both parties.
Another common misunderstanding is that you always have the right to enter the home. Even if you own the property, it is the tenant's home during the rental period, which means visits must take place by mutual agreement.
A successful rental is largely built on clear communication, especially when you as the landlord continue to live in the home. At the same time, it is reasonable to expect that the tenant gets in touch if something is not working or if something changes in their situation.
Where to turn with questions?
If you are unsure about anything before or during the rental, you are always welcome to contact our customer service. We can provide general guidance, explain concepts, and help you understand what is important to consider.
You can reach us at info@akademiskkvart.se.
We do not offer legal advice, but we can help you orient yourself and, if necessary, refer you to the right authority. Get in touch at info@akademiskkvart.se
