Good to know as a student
Finding accommodation in Stockholm can be a challenge. The shortage of both student housing and regular housing means that many students may need to look for options outside the ordinary housing queue. Renting a sublet or living as a lodger is therefore often a good and affordable first step.
Akademisk kvart is run by students and we have extensive experience with students' housing situation in Stockholm. Our goal is to contribute to a safe and secure rental process for both students and landlords.
Here we have gathered the most common types of accommodation on Akademisk kvart, what sets them apart, and what is especially important to keep in mind when looking for housing.
Different ways to rent accommodation
When you rent accommodation as a student, it is common to encounter three different types of housing arrangements. The differences are mainly about what type of accommodation it is, who you are renting from, and what rights and obligations follow.
Subletting
Subletting means that you rent the entire accommodation from a person who has the right to live there themselves, but who is temporarily not using the property. The person you are renting from does not remain living there during the period. Subletting can apply to both rental apartments and owner-occupied apartments, and regardless of the type of property, there are some common things that are always important to know:
- Permission is required
The person subletting must have the right to do so. As a tenant, it is important that you ask for written approval, even if the details may differ depending on the type of accommodation.
- The rent must be reasonable
The rent must bear a reasonable relation to the costs and standard of the accommodation. Akademisk kvart does not allow listings with rents deemed to be far above a reasonable level.
- A written agreement is always recommended
The agreement should clearly state the rent, rental period, what is included in the rent, notice period, and any deposits.
- Own home insurance
As a subtenant, you generally need to take out your own home insurance for the duration of your stay.
- Fixed-term agreements are common
Subletting is often for a set period, for example one semester or one year. Akademisk kvart's minimum permitted rental period is 3 months.
Differences between renting a rental apartment and an owner-occupied apartment as a sublet
Even though much is the same, there are some important differences depending on which type of accommodation is being rented
Rental apartment (sublet)
- The landlord (the primary tenant) does not own the accommodation but has their own primary contract with the housing company that owns the property.
- Subletting requires approval from the primary tenant's landlord (the housing company that owns the property).
- The primary tenant is responsible for ensuring the rent is reasonable and should in normal cases correspond to the primary rent, with a possible addition for furnishing.
- On Akademisk kvart, the rent must also comply with Akademisk kvart's rent ceiling.
Owner-occupied apartment (sublet)
- You are renting from a private individual who owns the accommodation.
- Subletting usually requires approval from the housing association.
- The rent is based on the apartment's fee, capital costs, and operating costs, with a possible addition for furnishing.
- On Akademisk kvart, the rent must also comply with Akademisk kvart's rent ceiling.
- The landlord (the person who owns the apartment) is responsible for ensuring the rent is reasonable.
Renting as a lodger
Being a lodger means that you rent a room in an accommodation where the person renting it out continues to live themselves. It is a common option for students, especially during the first period in Stockholm.
Good to know as a lodger:
- You rent your own room but share the kitchen, bathroom, and other common areas in the accommodation.
- As a lodger, you can either rent a room in an owner-occupied apartment or a rental apartment. The person you rent from generally does not need to apply for permission to sublet.
- The landlord (the person you rent from) is responsible for ensuring the rent is reasonable.
- On Akademisk kvart, the rent must also comply with Akademisk kvart's rent ceiling.
- It is especially important that you agree on everyday things such as shared spaces, cleaning, and guests.
Good things to consider when looking for accommodation
View the accommodation before you say yes (if you can't visit the property yourself, ask someone you trust to do it for you).
If you are subletting – verify that the person has written approval to sublet from the landlord or housing association.
Never pay rent before you have seen the accommodation, signed a contract, and received your key.
If you are a lodger – agree on rules before you move in. It is especially important that you agree on everyday things such as shared spaces, cleaning, and guests.
Write a rental agreement. It is important to write a rental agreement regardless of what type of accommodation you are renting. If the accommodation is furnished, we recommend writing an inventory list, and that any damage and deficiencies in the accommodation are documented before moving in. Here you will find more information about rental agreements.
Have someone else read through the agreement, here you will find all our templates. If you feel uncertain, you can always contact us at Akademisk kvart.
Take out home insurance or check whether you can be co-insured by the landlord. As a lodger, you need your own home insurance to protect your belongings in the event of burglary or fire, and to have liability coverage if you accidentally damage the property. There are often affordable home insurance options tailored specifically for students.
