| Rule | Permitted | Not permitted |
|---|---|---|
| Hanging pictures | Small nails, light tape | Large holes, permanent gluing |
| Painting | Leaving walls white | Coloured walls without permission |
| Wallpapering | Not without permission | Your own initiative |
| Books/shelf | Wall space between two nails | Many large screws |
| Mirrors | Small mirror with tape | Large mirror screwed into the wall |
Yes, the landlord can prohibit wall decorations – but there are limits
The landlord has the right to say no to you hanging pictures, posters, or photos on the walls. This is one of the landlord's most fundamental rights as a property owner. However, this restriction is not absolute – the law provides the tenant with certain protections.
It comes down to who owns the property and therefore holds the decision-making power over it. The landlord can, in principle, prohibit many things, but must follow the hyreslagen (the Rental Act / Chapter 12 of the Land Code) and cannot set completely unreasonable demands.
What does the Rental Act say?
The hyreslagen (the Rental Act) does not explicitly regulate wall decoration, but it does state that the tenant must "use the flat in a careful manner" and not cause damage to it. This is where the conflict often arises.
The landlord can prohibit or restrict:
- Large holes in the walls
- Permanent gluing or taping
- Painting of walls
- Wallpapering
- Screws and similar items that leave marks
However, the landlord can not prohibit normal use of the flat. Hanging a picture with small nails, or using light adhesive tape for lightweight items, is often counted as normal wear and tear (slitage).
The difference between "normal wear and tear" and "damage"
This is the dividing line between what is permitted and what is prohibited. Small holes from having used the flat in a reasonable manner count as normal wear and tear. The landlord cannot demand that the walls be left completely untouched.
Normal wear and tear upon moving out:
- Small holes from hanging pictures
- Light marks from furniture
- Minor paint fading
Damage that you may have to pay for:
- Large holes or damage from careless handling
- Deep scratches or marks
- Painting without permission when prohibited in the contract
Read more about normal wear and tear or damage to understand what you might need to pay for when moving out.
What should be in the rental contract?
A clear landlord clarifies this rule in the contract before you move in. It might look something like this:
If there is nothing stated in your contract, you can assume that normal use is permitted.
Painting and wallpapering – what is allowed?
Painting and wallpapering are two areas that often raise questions. A landlord can say no to painting, but it depends on the contract.
If it is prohibited in the contract, you must respect it. If the contract does not mention it, you can often get written permission from the landlord. It is always worth asking first.
Read painting and wallpapering in a rental flat 2026 for deeper guidance on the rules that apply and how to obtain permission.
What is reasonable and what is not?
The landlord must be reasonable when prohibiting interior decor. If the landlord completely bans all wall decoration – including light methods such as light adhesive tape – a tenant can challenge this at the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden).
A total ban on all pictures and images is often considered excessive. The tenant should be allowed to hang small items that do not damage the flat.
However, the landlord can reasonably prohibit:
- Painting of walls
- Doing your own wallpapering
- Large or numerous holes
- Permanent gluing to the walls
What to do if you disagree?
If you and the landlord cannot agree on what is permitted, you can contact the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden). This is a government agency that resolves disputes between landlords and tenants.
The Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) assesses whether the landlord's ban is reasonable or not. They look at the contract, how the flat has been used, and what is considered standard practice in the industry.
Read more about the Rent Tribunal and your rights.
Before you decorate – do this
- Read the contract – check if it says anything about wall decoration
- Ask the landlord – request written permission for painting or wallpapering
- Use gentle methods – light adhesive tape, small nails, and lightweight solutions cause less damage
- Document the condition – take photos when you move in so you can prove later what state the walls were in
- Repair when moving out – fill small holes and clean before you hand over the keys
A simple rule: ask first. It takes two minutes and saves future conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the landlord prohibit all wall decoration? Not entirely. The landlord can prohibit painting and wallpapering, but a total ban on hanging light items with nails or light tape is often considered unreasonable. Normal use must be permitted.
Can I paint the walls in my rental flat without permission? Not without permission from the landlord. Painting generally requires approval. Check your contract first. You can always ask the landlord if they allow it.
What happens if I make holes without permission? When you move out, the landlord can expect you to repair the holes. If they are small and result from normal use, it is often considered normal wear and tear and you do not need to pay. Large or numerous holes can lead to deductions from your deposit (deposition).
Which methods cause the least damage? Light adhesive tape, small nails for light pictures, and adhesive strips are the most gentle methods. Avoid large screws, permanent gluing, and dense holes. Always use the smallest possible solutions.
This text provides general information about rental flats and is not legal advice. Always contact your landlord or the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) in case of disputes.
