A first-hand rental is worth its weight in gold in Sweden's big cities – so what do you do if you want to move without losing that security? There are two legal routes: swap apartments or transfer the lease. Both require following the rules. Here's the 2026 guide.
Apartment swap – trade with someone else
An apartment swap means trading your rental for someone else's home. It's allowed, but requires the landlord's consent. If the landlord says no, you can apply for permission from the rent tribunal, which approves the swap if you have:
- Noteworthy reasons to swap (e.g. work, family, finances or needing more/less space), and
- normally have lived in the apartment for a certain time (often at least a year), and
- the swap isn't a significant disadvantage to the landlord.
The swap must not happen in exchange for payment. Paying or taking payment "under the table" for a lease is illegal and can cost you the apartment – and lead to prosecution.
Transfer to a close relative
You can transfer your lease to a close relative (e.g. partner, child or parent) you have lived with on a lasting basis. This also requires the landlord's consent, or the tribunal's permission if refused. Usual requirements:
- You have cohabited on a lasting basis (often at least three years, shorter for a partner).
- The person taking over has good conduct and ability to pay.
Step by step
- Find a swap partner or the relative who will take over.
- Apply in writing for consent from the landlord, with details of all parties.
- Facing a no? Refer the matter to the rent tribunal. Read more about the rent tribunal.
- Draw up a transfer/swap agreement and make sure new contracts are issued.
Common mistakes
- Moving in before permission exists. Wait for consent or a decision.
- Under-the-table payment. Never worth the risk – you can lose the lease.
- Unclear documentation. Settle cleaning, deposit and handover in writing. See our move-out cleaning checklist.
The difference from subletting
A swap or transfer means you leave the lease permanently. If you only want to rent out temporarily, that's subletting – different rules, separate permission. See renting out without permission.
Frequently asked questions
Can the landlord refuse a swap for any reason? No. If you have noteworthy reasons and the swap doesn't harm the landlord, the tribunal can grant permission even if the landlord says no.
Can I charge for my lease? No, it's illegal and can cost you the home.
Summary
You can swap apartments or transfer the lease to a close relative – but always with the landlord's consent or the tribunal's permission, never for under-the-table payment. Follow the rules and you keep the security of a first-hand home. Looking for a new place? Search on Bofrid.
