# Rent increase in a rental apartment: how it works and what you can do *Klara Bengtsson* *13 november 2026* > Rent can be raised in different ways, but there are rules that protect you as a tenant. Here we explain how a rent increase works and what you can do if you disagree. # Rent increase in a rental apartment: how it works and what you can do Rent is the biggest expense for most tenants in Skövde. That is why it raises questions when the landlord announces that the rent will be raised. Can the rent be increased at any time? How much notice is required? And what can you do if you think the new rent is unreasonable? This article explains what applies to a rent increase in a rental apartment, and where you can turn for help. ## What a rent increase means A rent increase simply means that the landlord wants to charge a higher rent for the apartment. This can happen for several reasons: the property's costs have gone up, the apartment has been renovated, or the landlord and tenant have agreed on a new rent. What is important to know is that the rent cannot be raised however the landlord wants. In Swedish tenancy law there are rules governing how a rent change should be carried out, and who decides if the parties do not agree. The rules are found, among other places, in the Swedish Land Code (Jordabalken), and you can read more at [Hyresgästföreningen](https://www.hyresgastforeningen.se/) and at [Boverket](https://www.boverket.se/sv/samhallsplanering/bostadsmarknad/). ## When the rent may be raised The rent can be changed in a few different ways: **By agreement.** The landlord and the tenant can agree on a new rent. Such an agreement should be made in writing so that both parties have documentation of what applies. **After refurbishment or renovation.** If the landlord has made major improvements to the apartment, the rent may be adjusted in connection with that. Even then, the change should be clear and documented. **Through the rent tribunal (hyresnämnden).** If the landlord and tenant cannot agree, the rent issue can be tried by the rent tribunal. The rent tribunal is a government authority that decides disputes about rent, and its decisions are guiding for what is a reasonable rent. ## Time limits and how the rent increase is communicated A rent increase should be communicated to you as a tenant in good time before it takes effect. The rent is usually raised from a coming rental period, not with immediate effect. Make sure you receive the notice in writing so that you can keep it as documentation if a dispute should arise later. If you receive a rent increase notice that you do not understand or do not agree with, do not wait to act. The earlier you make contact, the easier it is often to reach a solution. ## If you do not agree – turn to the rent tribunal If the landlord wants to raise the rent and you do not think it is reasonable, you can turn to the rent tribunal. The rent tribunal tries the matter and decides what rent is reasonable. Before you get there, it may be wise to contact [Hyresgästföreningen](https://www.hyresgastforeningen.se/) for advice. They can help you assess whether the rent increase is justified and what options you have. You can find more about the rent tribunal and how a case proceeds at the [Riksdag website on the Land Code](https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/jordabalk-1970994_sfs-1970-994/). ## What you can do as a tenant If you receive notice of a rent increase, do this: 1. Read the notice carefully. Check that it is in writing and that it states when the new rent is to take effect. 2. Compare with your current [rental contract](https://lagenhetskovde.se/artiklar/hyreskontrakt-skovde) and see what it says about rent and rent changes. 3. Contact the landlord if anything is unclear. Ask for a written explanation if you do not understand the reasoning. 4. Contact Hyresgästföreningen for advice if you do not agree. 5. In case of disagreement, the matter can be tried by the rent tribunal. Keeping all written communication with the landlord makes it easier if you later need to prove what was said and agreed. ## Rent levels and the housing market in Skövde Rent levels are affected by demand and supply in the local housing market. In a student city like Skövde, with the University of Skövde, there is strong pressure on smaller apartments and student housing. That can affect the rents requested, but it does not mean that the landlord may raise the rent without following the rules. If you are looking for an apartment, it can be good to know about the queues. [The housing queue at Skövdebostäder](https://lagenhetskovde.se/artiklar/bostadsko-skovdebostader-vantetid) is one of the ways to a rental apartment in the municipality, and waiting times can vary depending on what type of housing you are looking for. ## Frequently asked questions about rent increases **Can the rent be raised during an ongoing contract period?** A rent increase should normally be communicated in a notice and take effect from a coming rental period. Contact Hyresgästföreningen if you are unsure about what applies in your case. **Do I have to accept a rent increase?** If you and the landlord cannot agree, the rent tribunal can decide what is a reasonable rent. You do not have to blindly accept an increase that you think is unreasonable. **Who can help me?** Hyresgästföreningen offers advice to its members, and the rent tribunal decides disputes about rent. ## Summary A rent increase in a rental apartment follows rules that protect you as a tenant. Make sure you receive the notice in writing, compare it with your contract, and seek help from Hyresgästföreningen if you do not agree. In a dispute, the rent tribunal can decide what rent is reasonable. The earlier you act, the better your chances of influencing the outcome. --- Sources: [Hyresgästföreningen](https://www.hyresgastforeningen.se/), [Boverket](https://www.boverket.se/sv/samhallsplanering/bostadsmarknad/), [Land Code at the Riksdag](https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/jordabalk-1970994_sfs-1970-994/)