Housing, renting and home safety in Stockholm

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Housing in Stockholm can be difficult, especially for newcomers.

There are some real danger zones here. Do not assume that insurance is included just because you rent a room, rent second hand, flatshare or live with someone else.

In Sweden, home insurance is called hemförsäkring. It is one of the most important protections you can have. It is not only about furniture or personal belongings. A normal home insurance policy may also include travel protection, liability protection, legal protection and assault protection.

Important insurance warning

If you flatshare, rent a room, live as a lodger, rent second hand or share accommodation with another person, you may still need your own home insurance policy.

Do not assume that the landlord, main tenant, partner, friend or flatmate has insurance that covers you.

In some cases a person may be covered by another person’s policy, but this must be confirmed directly by the insurance company. Usually, a separate policy is required.

Insurance is normally not automatically included in second-hand renting.

Before you move in, ask these questions:

1. Do I have my own home insurance?
2. Am I personally named or covered by the policy?
3. Is the correct address covered?
4. Does the policy cover second-hand rental, flatshare or lodger arrangements?
5. Does the policy cover my belongings?
6. Does the policy include liability protection?
7. Does the policy include legal protection?
8. Does the policy include travel protection?
9. What is the excess or deductible?
10. What happens if there is water damage, fire, theft or accidental damage?

Other housing risks to check:

- whether the landlord is allowed to rent out the home
- whether the second-hand rental has permission
- whether the rental contract is written and clear
- whether the deposit terms are clear
- whether the rent is reasonable
- whether the person renting to you has the right to do so
- whether you are allowed to register at the address
- who is responsible for keys, damage, furniture and inventory
- whether there is an inventory list
- whether there are photos from move-in day

Never pay a large deposit without checking the arrangement carefully.

Keep records:

- rental agreement
- payment receipts
- messages with landlord or tenant
- inventory list
- photos when moving in
- insurance details
- confirmation from the insurance company if someone claims that you are covered by another policy

Useful independent guidance:

Konsumenternas - home insurance:
https://www.konsumenternas.se/forsakringar/boendeforsakringar/hemforsakringar/

Konsumenternas - renting or living second hand:
https://www.konsumenternas.se/livssituationer/var-i-livet-befinner-du-dig/flytta-hemifran/hyra/

Konsumenternas - what home insurance includes:
https://www.konsumenternas.se/forsakringar/boendeforsakringar/hemforsakringar/vad-ingar/

Housing is connected to registration, insurance, banking and everyday security. If something looks wrong, ask before you sign or pay.