# Rent reduction for damage in the apartment: your rights

*Esther Asmundsson*
*13 november 2026*

> If the apartment has a defect or damage, you may be entitled to a rent reduction. Here are the rules in the Swedish Land Code for tenants in Östersund.

Rent reduction for damage in the apartment: your rights

If your apartment has a defect or damage that reduces the utility of the home, you as a tenant may be entitled to a rent reduction. The rules are found in the Swedish Land Code (Jordabalken), chapter 12, sections 11–12, and apply to everyone renting an apartment in Östersund.

## What counts as damage or defect?

According to the Land Code 12 kap 9 §, the tenant has the right to require that the apartment is in the agreed condition and is fully usable for its purpose. If the apartment has a defect that makes it worse than what you are entitled to demand, it may be a defect that entitles you to a rent reduction.

Examples of defects that may entitle you to a reduction include damp or water damage, broken ventilation, heating problems, or a kitchen that cannot be used. It is important that the damage is of some significance – minor cosmetic defects usually do not entitle you to a reduction.

## Rent reduction according to section 11

If the apartment is damaged or destroyed so that its utility is significantly reduced, the tenant has the following rights:

- You may receive a reasonable rent reduction for the time the apartment is in a defective condition.
- You may fix the defect at the landlord's expense if the landlord fails to take action after a request.
- If the defect cannot be fixed without delay, or if the landlord neglects to fix it after a request, you may terminate the agreement – if the defect is of significant importance. Once the defect has been remedied by the landlord, the agreement may not be terminated.
- You are entitled to compensation for damage if the landlord does not show that the defect is not due to his negligence. If the damage was caused by your own fault, compensation does not apply.
- For apartments, the rent tribunal may issue an order to remedy that forces the landlord to fix the defect.

## Rent reduction according to section 12

If an authority before the date of possession makes a decision that leads to you having to give up part of the apartment or otherwise suffer an infringement of your right of use, you are entitled to a reasonable rent reduction. If the decision involves a significant restriction of the right of use, you may also terminate the agreement, even if the decision has not gained legal force.

## How to claim a rent reduction

To claim a rent reduction, you should first contact the landlord and state what the damage is. Do it in writing so that you have a document showing that you have complained. If the landlord does not respond or does not take action, you can turn to the Swedish Union of Tenants (Hyresgästföreningen) for advice or to the rent tribunal (hyresnämnden) to get a decision on reduction.

The rent reduction must be reasonable and is calculated based on how large a part of the apartment is affected and how long the defect has lasted. It is not automatic that you get the entire rent reduced – it depends on the extent of the defect.

## Rent reduction in Östersund

In Östersund there are several landlords managing condominiums and rental apartments, including municipal and private actors. Regardless of who owns your apartment, the same rules in the Land Code apply. If you rent via Östersundshem or another housing agency and discover a defect, you should complain directly to your landlord.

As a student in Östersund, you can also turn to the student union at Mid Sweden University or Hyresgästföreningen in Jämtland for support if you have problems with your landlord.

## Summary

If your apartment has a defect or damage, you may be entitled to:
- Reasonable rent reduction for the time the defect persists
- Fixing of the defect at the landlord's expense
- Compensation for damage
- Termination of the agreement if the defect is significant
- An order to remedy via the rent tribunal

Always contact the landlord first and keep written contact. If you need help, Hyresgästföreningen and the rent tribunal can provide guidance.

Sources: Swedish Land Code (1970:994), chapter 12 sections 11–12 via riksdagen.se; Swedish Union of Tenants, hyresgastforeningen.se.