# Tenant Rights During Apartment Renovations *26 juni 2026* > Renovating a rented apartment can be a disruptive process. This guide explains tenant rights during renovations and what you can expect. Renovating a rented apartment can be a disruptive process for everyone involved. As a tenant, it's crucial to be aware of your rights and responsibilities when your home undergoes renovation. This article aims to clarify tenant rights during renovations, covering how to handle disturbances, potential rent reductions, and what constitutes acceptable work. ## Understanding the Landlord's Right to Renovate Landlords generally have the right to renovate and maintain their properties. This can range from minor cosmetic updates to major structural changes, aimed at improving standards, energy efficiency, or adapting the property to new requirements. However, a landlord's right to renovate cannot unreasonably infringe upon your right to live in the apartment. ### Information and Notice Legally, landlords must notify tenants well in advance of significant renovations. What constitutes "advance notice" can vary based on the scope of the renovation, but it often means several months. You should be informed about: * The nature of the renovation. * Its estimated start and end dates. * The hours during which work will be performed. * Whether you need to temporarily vacate the premises. Failure by the landlord to provide this information can affect your rights. ## Disturbances and Inconveniences During Renovation Renovations inevitably cause disturbances. Noise, dust, odors, and limited access to common areas are common issues. As a tenant, you have the right to be informed about and, to some extent, compensated for these disturbances. ### What Constitutes Acceptable Disturbances? There's a limit to what is acceptable. Minor disturbances, such as temporary noise during daytime hours, may need to be tolerated. However, if the renovation: * Occurs during unreasonable hours (e.g., late evenings, nights, or weekends). * Causes serious health issues (e.g., excessive dust or toxic fumes). * Renders the apartment uninhabitable for an extended period. ...then you may be entitled to remedies. ### Rent Reduction During Renovation If the renovation causes significant disturbances and substantially diminishes your living environment, you may be entitled to a temporary rent reduction. This is sometimes referred to as a "rent abatement." To qualify for a rent reduction during renovation, it typically requires: 1. The disturbances must be severe enough to significantly impair your ability to use the apartment as a residence. 2. You must have reported the disturbances to the landlord and given them a reasonable opportunity to rectify the situation. The amount of rent reduction depends on the severity and duration of the disturbance, ranging from a few percent to a substantial portion of the rent. If you and the landlord cannot agree on a rent reduction, you may need to seek a decision from the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden). ## Tenant's Responsibilities During Renovation While the landlord is responsible for the renovation work itself, you as a tenant also have responsibilities. These include: * **Permitting Work:** You generally must allow the work to be carried out in your apartment during the agreed-upon hours. * **Protecting Property:** You may need to take reasonable steps to protect your own belongings from dust and damage, although the landlord also has some responsibility for protective measures. * **Reporting Issues:** Immediately inform the landlord if you experience problems or damage caused by the renovation. It's important to distinguish between landlord-initiated renovations and alterations you wish to make to your rented apartment yourself. The latter always requires the landlord's approval. ## When Renovation Requires You to Move Out In some cases, a renovation may be so extensive that it's impossible to continue living in the apartment. This can occur during major pipe replacements (stambyte), significant facade work, or if the apartment becomes uninhabitable due to major interventions. ### Temporary Relocation Accommodation If you are forced to temporarily move out due to the renovation, you are entitled to compensation for your additional expenses. This may include costs for temporary housing and any extra expenses for food and transportation. The landlord should primarily offer you alternative accommodation. If the landlord cannot provide reasonable alternative housing, you may arrange it yourself and be reimbursed for justifiable costs. ### Continued Rent Payment? During the period you cannot live in your apartment due to renovations, you typically do not need to pay rent for it, provided the apartment is entirely uninhabitable. If you remain in the apartment but are severely disturbed, a rent reduction might be applicable instead of a complete rent exemption. ## Summary and Your Next Steps Tenant rights during renovations are designed to protect you from unreasonable disturbances and intrusions. Remember to: * Demand clear information and notice from your landlord. * Document all disturbances and communications with the landlord. * Report problems promptly. * Explore the possibility of rent reduction for significant disturbances. If you are unsure about your rights or if the conflict with your landlord escalates, do not hesitate to contact the Tenants' Union (Hyresgästföreningen) or the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) for advice and assistance. ### FAQ: Common Questions About Apartment Renovations #### Can my landlord renovate without my consent? Yes, landlords have the right to perform necessary maintenance and renovations without your specific consent, as long as it's done in a way that doesn't unreasonably disturb your living situation and you've received proper notice. However, your consent is required if the work necessitates you moving out or significantly impacts your apartment. #### What should I do if the renovation takes longer than planned? If the renovation extends beyond the agreed-upon timeframe, you should first contact your landlord in writing, point out the delay, and request an explanation. If the disturbances continue and you believe you are entitled to further rent reduction or compensation, you may need to approach the Rent Tribunal. #### Can I get a rent reduction for a weekend? A rent reduction for a single weekend is uncommon unless it involves extremely extensive and disruptive work that makes the apartment uninhabitable. Rent reductions are typically granted for more prolonged and significant disturbances that materially affect the living conditions. #### Who pays for protecting my furniture during renovations? The landlord has a responsibility to take reasonable measures to minimize damage to your property during renovations, often including protecting floors and furniture in common areas and potentially within your apartment if necessary. As a tenant, you also have a responsibility to take reasonable protective measures for your own belongings. For major renovations, it's wise to cover sensitive furniture yourself. #### What happens if the landlord doesn't fix damage caused during the renovation? If damage has occurred to your property or apartment due to the renovation work and the landlord fails to address it, you should first formally report the damage in writing to the landlord. If no action is taken, you may need to contact the Rent Tribunal to help pursue the matter.