Notice Period Rental Lease Skövde

Notice period rental lease Skövde: How to terminate your contract

If you rent a flat in Skövde and want to move, the main rule is simple: you have three months' notice. This follows from chapter 12, section 11 of the Swedish Rent Act (Jordabalken), which applies throughout Sweden regardless of whether you rent from Skövdebostäder, a private landlord, or sublet. In this guide we go through how long the notice period is, how to terminate your tenancy agreement, what applies if the landlord terminates you, and what mistakes to avoid.

1. How long is the notice period?

For a rental flat, three months' notice applies. This is the main rule in chapter 12, section 11 of the Rent Act, and it applies whether you have a first-hand or second-hand contract, and regardless of whether the landlord is a municipal housing company such as Skövdebostäder or a private person.

The notice period starts counting from the day you submit your notice — not from the day you plan to move out. If you give notice on 1 November, the last rental month is usually January, and you pay rent for the entire notice period even if you move out earlier.

If the contract states a shorter notice period, it may be invalid if it conflicts with the law. A shorter period than three months is unusual for an ordinary rental flat. If you are unsure what applies to your contract, you can contact Hyresgästföreningen for advice.

2. How do you terminate the tenancy agreement?

You must always terminate the tenancy agreement in writing. An oral notice is not valid and can lead to disputes about when you actually gave notice. Your written notice should contain:

Your name and contact details
The address of the flat you are terminating
The date of the notice
The date you intend to move out
Your signature

Send the notice in a way that you can prove it arrived — for example by registered mail, or by handing it over in person and getting a receipt. Keep a copy yourself. Without proof, the landlord may claim that the notice never arrived, and then the notice period continues to run.

Hyresgästföreningen provides a notice template that you can use. It is available on hyresgastforeningen.se along with more information about how a notice should be drawn up.

3. What applies if the landlord terminates you?

The landlord cannot terminate a tenancy agreement at will. There must be specific grounds, for example that you do not pay rent on time, that you disturb neighbours, or that you use the flat in a way that conflicts with the agreement. Even then, three months' notice usually applies, and the landlord must be able to show that the grounds are acceptable.

If you receive a termination from the landlord that you disagree with, you can contact Hyresgästföreningen or the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) for help. Boverket also provides information about tenants' rights on boverket.se.

4. Sublet contracts — a shorter notice period may apply

If you sublet, the notice period may be shorter, depending on what your sublet contract states and what permit exists. One month's notice is common in sublets, but it varies from case to case. Read your contract carefully before giving notice, and ask your landlord if you are unsure.

Also note that if the main tenant terminates their own contract, your subletting may end at the same time, even if you have your own sublet contract. Discuss this well in advance with the main tenant.

5. Common mistakes to avoid

Giving notice orally instead of in writing.
Forgetting to keep a copy of the notice.
Not being able to prove that the notice reached the landlord.
Miscalculating the notice period and thinking you can move out immediately.
Forgetting to clean the flat and return the keys on time.

6. Cleaning and keys

When the notice period expires, the flat must be cleaned and the keys returned. Many landlords require the flat to be cleaned to a certain standard, and some charge a fee if the cleaning is not approved. Check with your landlord what applies to your flat before you move.

Also remember to terminate or move your electricity, broadband and insurance contracts, and to arrange mail forwarding with the Swedish Tax Agency or Postnord so you do not miss important mail after the move.

7. Deposit and repayment

If you paid a deposit when you moved in, it should be repaid when you move out, minus any deductions for damage or unpaid rent. The landlord should make the settlement within a reasonable time after you have moved out. Keep the receipt for the deposit and take photos of the condition of the flat both when you move in and when you move out — this makes it easier if there is a dispute over compensation.

8. Sources and further reading

The Rent Act (Riksdagen): https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/jordabalk-1970994_sfs-1970-994/
Hyresgästföreningen: https://www.hyresgastforeningen.se/
Boverket: https://www.boverket.se/sv/samhallsplanering/bostadsmarknad/

9. More guides for you renting in Skövde

If you are looking for a new flat, we have more guides on renting in Skövde:

This article is a general guide and does not replace legal advice for your individual case.

Notice period rental lease Skövde: How to terminate your contract