Private Rental Act 2026:772 – new rules from 1 July 2026

On July 1, 2026, the Private Rental Act (2026:772) came into force, replacing the Act (2012:978) on the Private Rental of Residential Dwellings for new agreements covered by the new legislation. For those renting out a detached house, condominium, apartment in an owner-occupied building, or part of their own home, it is therefore important to use the correct regulatory framework and an updated rental agreement.

Which rentals are covered?

The act applies to agreements where a natural person or an estate of a deceased person, in exchange for payment, grants someone else the use of a house or part of a house, and where residential use constitutes the primary or a not insignificant part of the usage.

This means that, for example, a privately owned villa, condominium, or owner-occupied apartment may be covered, but one must always check the exemptions and the actual rental situation.

When does the act not apply?

Situation	Consequence
The landlord regularly rents out more than two dwellings that are not part of their own home	The Private Rental Act is not applicable on that basis.
The landlord holds the dwelling under a leasehold	The rental falls outside the scope of the Private Rental Act.
The rental is for holiday purposes	The act does not apply.
The agreement was entered into under the old act before July 1, 2026	The repealed act (2012:978) continues to apply to that agreement according to the transitional provisions.

The rental agreement and the rent

A rental agreement must be drawn up in writing if the landlord or the tenant requests it. For a secure and traceable rental, the agreement should in practice always be in writing.

When the agreement is entered into, the parties shall agree on the amount of rent, and as a general rule, the rent must be fixed at a specific amount. However, the act allows, among other things, for certain utilities—such as heating, electricity, hot water, or water and sewage—to be charged based on actual consumption costs if the parties agree to this.

Termination under the new act

A fixed-term rental agreement ends at the end of the rental period. However, the tenant may always terminate the agreement to the turn of the month that occurs at the earliest three months after the notice of termination. An indefinite agreement may be terminated to the turn of the month at the earliest three months after the notice of termination.

The notice of termination must be in writing. If the tenant is the one giving notice, it may be done orally if the landlord provides a written acknowledgment. The act also contains rules regarding electronic addresses: if the recipient has provided an electronic address for messages regarding the rental agreement, the notice of termination is considered to have been served once it has been sent there.

Subletting and lodgers

The tenant may not sublet the dwelling for independent use without the landlord's consent. The new act also contains explicit rules regarding lodgers. If the dwelling is part of the landlord's own home, the tenant may not have lodgers without the landlord's consent.

What should an updated private rental agreement include?

• The full details of the parties and which dwelling is being rented out.
• Rental period – indefinite or fixed term.
• The rent amount, due date, and what costs are included.
• How electricity, water, heating, and other utilities are handled.
• Deposit and clear terms for repayment.
• An inventory list when the dwelling is furnished.
• Inspection report and documentation of condition upon move-in.
• Rules for use, lodgers, and any potential subletting.
• Termination, contact address, and practical move-out.
• Key receipt and the number of keys handed over.

Common mistakes after the legislative change

1. Using an old template without checking the applicable law. New agreements from July 1, 2026, may be subject to entirely new legislation.
2. Confusing private rental with the subletting of a leasehold apartment. The Private Rental Act does not apply when the landlord themselves holds the dwelling under a leasehold.
3. Writing an unspecified total rent. If consumption-based costs are to be added, they should be clearly regulated.
4. Lacking a contact address. A clear agreement on contact channels simplifies termination and other notices.
5. Not documenting the condition of the dwelling. An inspection and inventory list reduce the risk of disputes regarding damages and the deposit.

Frequently asked questions about the Private Rental Act 2026

When did the new act begin to apply?

The Private Rental Act (2026:772) came into force on July 1, 2026.

Does it automatically apply to all old rental agreements?

No. The transitional provisions state that the old act from 2012 still applies to agreements that were entered into under that act.

Does the act apply when I sublet a leasehold apartment?

No. According to the act's exceptions, it does not apply when the landlord holds the apartment under a leasehold.

Can a fixed-term agreement be terminated prematurely by the tenant?

Yes. According to Chapter 6, Section 1, the tenant may always terminate the agreement to the turn of the month occurring at the earliest three months from the notice of termination.

Must the rent be stated in SEK?

As a general rule, the rent must be set at a specific amount when the agreement is entered into. Certain consumption-based costs may be agreed upon separately in accordance with the rules of the act.

Read also

• Termination of rental agreement 2026 – notice period and formal requirements
• Subletting 2026 – rules for leasehold and condominium apartments

Source

• Private Rental Act (2026:772) – The Riksdag

Last updated: October 4, 2026. This article provides general information and does not replace individual legal advice.