| Housing type | Maximum deposit | Law/Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rental flat (hyresrätt) | 2 months' rent | Chapter 2, Section 9 of the Land Code (jordabalken) |
| Private letting (from 1 July 2026) | According to agreement between parties | Private Lettings Act (Privatuthyrningslag) (2026:772) |
| Tenant-owned flat (bostadsrätt) | No deposit (you own the share) | Tenant-Owned Flats Act (Bostadsrättslagen) |
| Hire-purchase | According to agreement | Hire-Purchase of Housing Act (Lag om hyrköp av bostad) (2026:843) |
How much deposit can you take on a rental flat?
A landlord can take a deposit of no more than two months' rent on a rental flat (hyresrätt). The deposit is security for the landlord if the tenant does not pay rent or damages the flat. The amount is regulated in Chapter 2, Section 9 of the Land Code (jordabalken), which states that the deposit must not exceed two months' rent.
What is a deposit and why does the landlord take one?
A deposit is a sum of money that the tenant pays before moving in. The landlord holds the money as security during the rental period. If the tenant does not pay rent or causes damage to the flat beyond normal wear and tear (slitage), the landlord may keep all or part of the deposit.
The deposit is not rent. It is also not a fee for renting the flat. It is a refundable security that must be returned when the tenant moves out — provided that everything is in order.
How much deposit can you take on a rental flat — the rules
A landlord cannot take more than two months' rent in deposit. If the landlord demands more than this, the term is void under Chapter 2, Section 9 of the Land Code (jordabalken).
The deposit must be set to an exact amount when the rental agreement is entered into. The landlord cannot increase the deposit later during the rental period without the tenant's agreement.
Can the deposit be higher for a furnished flat?
A furnished flat is a flat where furniture is included in the rent. Many landlords believe they can take a higher deposit for furnished flats, but this is not true. The limit of two months' rent applies whether the flat is furnished or unfurnished.
Read more about this in our article Can you take a higher deposit for furnished lettings?
Must the deposit be paid in cash?
No. The deposit can be paid in several ways — in cash, by bank transfer, or by other agreed method. The landlord cannot require that the deposit be paid only in cash. Many landlords prefer bank payment because there is a record of the transaction.
Read more in our article Can the landlord require the deposit in cash?
Comparison: Deposit on rental flat versus other housing types
What can the landlord use the deposit for?
The landlord can only use the deposit to cover:
- Unpaid rent
- Damage to the flat beyond normal wear and tear (slitage)
- Costs to restore the flat to its original condition
The landlord cannot use the deposit to pay for furniture that the tenant has bought themselves, or to cover costs that are already covered by the rent.
Checklist: How to handle the deposit correctly
For the landlord:
- Set the deposit to no more than two months' rent before the rental agreement is signed
- Write down the amount clearly in the rental agreement
- Keep the receipt when you receive the deposit
- Hold the money in a separate account or in a safe place
- Make an inspection report when the tenant moves in
- Make a final inspection when the tenant moves out
- Refund the deposit within a reasonable time after moving out, minus any damage costs
For the tenant:
- Ask the landlord about the deposit before you sign the agreement
- Check that the deposit does not exceed two months' rent
- Get a receipt when you pay the deposit
- Photograph the flat when you move in
- Document any existing damage in an inspection report
- Keep the flat in good condition during the rental period
- Request the inspection when you move out
- Follow up on the deposit if it is not refunded within a reasonable time
What happens if the landlord takes too much deposit?
If the landlord demands more than two months' rent in deposit, the term is void. The tenant does not need to pay the excess amount. If the tenant has already paid too much, they can demand the money back.
If the landlord refuses to accept this, the tenant can appeal to the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden), which is the court that handles disputes about rental flats (hyresrätt).
Can the deposit be changed during the rental period?
No. The deposit cannot be increased or decreased during the rental period without both parties agreeing. If the landlord wants to increase the deposit, the tenant must agree to it in writing. If the tenant does not agree, the original amount applies.
If the rent is increased, the landlord cannot automatically increase the deposit. The deposit is linked to the rent at the time the agreement is made.
How long can the landlord keep the deposit after moving out?
The landlord must refund the deposit as soon as possible after the tenant has moved out. There is no exact time limit in the law, but "reasonable time" is usually interpreted as a few weeks.
If the landlord needs time for the inspection or to repair damage, they should inform the tenant of this and give an approximate timetable.
Read more about this in our article Can you get the deposit back without the landlord inspecting?
Frequently asked questions
Can the landlord take a deposit if the tenant has a job and good finances?
Yes. The landlord can take a deposit regardless of the tenant's financial situation. The deposit is a standard security, not something that only applies to risky tenants. Two months' rent is the limit regardless.
What happens to the deposit if the tenant dies?
The deposit becomes part of the estate and must be refunded to the heirs or the estate administrator. The landlord can still deduct costs for damage or unpaid rent before the refund.
Can the landlord demand a deposit twice — once when moving in and once later?
No. The landlord can only take one deposit, and it must not exceed two months' rent in total. If the landlord tries to take a deposit twice, it is not permitted.
Does the deposit count as income for the landlord?
No, the deposit is not income. It is a refundable security. The landlord should not pay tax on the deposit when it is received. If the landlord keeps parts of the deposit for damage or unpaid rent, it is only then that an actual cost or income arises.
Related articles
- How much rent can you charge?
- What does it cost to get the deposit back?
- Renting without an employment contract: What can the landlord demand?
This text is general information and does not replace legal advice.
