Landlord Background Checks: What's Legal in Sweden?

Landlord background checks are a common part of finding rental housing in Sweden. Many tenants wonder what is legal when it comes to background checks, what rights they have, and how to best prepare for screening. This guide covers everything you need to know about landlord background checks — what's allowed under Swedish law, what's prohibited, and practical tips for navigating the process.

What is a landlord background check?

A landlord background check is a process where property owners or managers investigate a potential tenant's background before signing a lease. Landlords do this to minimize the risk of late rent payments or property damage. A background check may include references from previous landlords, credit checks, and review of personal information.

What background checks are legal?

Under Swedish property law, landlords have the right to check certain information about potential tenants. Legal background checks may include references from previous landlords or employers, credit checks through registered credit agencies, verification of income and employment status, and review of criminal records related to property crimes or housing-related offenses.

Can landlords run a credit check?

Yes, landlords can generally request a credit check or credit report if you're an adult. The check must be conducted through a registered credit agency — not through private personal searches. You have the right to know if a credit check was run and can request to see the results. A negative credit history is not necessarily a deal-breaker — many landlords focus on current financial stability rather than past problems.

Are tenant references allowed?

Yes, checking references from previous landlords is both legal and very common. Many landlords see this as one of the most important tools for assessing a potential tenant's reliability. You can expect landlords to contact your previous landlords or employers to get feedback on your punctuality with rent payments and how you maintained the apartment.

Can landlords check my criminal record?

Landlords can legally search criminal records, but only for crimes relevant to the rental relationship — primarily property crimes, housing offenses, or other crimes indicating you may be a risk to the property or neighbors. Searching general criminal records for completely unrelated offenses is generally considered discrimination and is not allowed.

What is NOT allowed in a background check?

There are several things landlords cannot do during screening: they cannot discriminate based on ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics. Private searches on the internet or social media without your consent are not allowed. Landlords cannot collect or use hidden personal information without your knowledge, and they cannot charge for the screening process itself, although some municipalities allow limited administrative fees.

What are my rights as a tenant?

Swedish tenants have several important rights during the housing search. You have the right to know what information is being collected and how it will be used. If you don't consent to a certain type of screening (such as a credit check), you can often choose not to undergo it — though this may negatively impact your application. You can request to see the results of credit checks and other screenings, and you can complain if you believe discrimination or illegal screening has occurred.

How should I prepare for a background check?

To prepare for a landlord background check, gather documentation like your tax return, employment certificate, and reference letters from previous landlords. Be honest — attempting to hide anything can be used against you later. Contact previous landlords in advance so they're prepared to be contacted. Understand what landlords can and cannot ask before you meet with them.

What does a background check cost?

In Sweden, it's generally not allowed for landlords to charge for the screening process itself. However, some property managers may charge a small administrative fee to cover the costs of obtaining a credit check or contacting references. This fee is usually low (50–200 SEK) and should not discourage you from applying. Always ask in advance if there are any fees.

What if I think the screening was unfair?

If you believe a background check was discriminatory or violated your rights, contact the landlord directly to discuss your concerns. You can reach out to tenant organizations for legal advice and support, report to the Equality Ombudsman if you believe you've experienced discrimination, or seek legal help through an attorney if you want to take legal action.