---
title: "Can your landlord deduct furniture costs from your deposit when you move out?"
author: "Philip Rönnmark"
authorUrl: "https://bofrid.com/en/articles/authors/philip-ronnmark"
datePublished: "2026-10-07T07:15:04.476Z"
dateModified: "2026-10-07T07:15:04.511Z"
description: "Landlords can only deduct furniture from deposits for actual damage, not wear and tear. Learn when deductions are allowed and how to protect yourself."
keywords: ["deposit furniture damage deductions", "rental flat deposit furniture deductions", "normal wear and tear furniture rental", "move-out inspection furniture damage", "Rent Tribunal furniture deposit"]
categories: ["General", "Guides"]
canonical: "https://bofrid.com/en/articles/can-your-landlord-deduct-furniture-costs-from-your-deposit-when-you"
language: "en"
image: "https://bofrid.media/cms/357d1e62dae75e72a425b15b6137075a85e0fb6d.webp"
---

# Can your landlord deduct furniture costs from your deposit when you move out?

Yes, your landlord can deduct furniture damage from your deposit if it occurred during your tenancy, but only if the damage exceeds normal wear and tear. Your landlord can only make deductions for actual damage you caused, not for the furniture's age or depreciation. The limit is set by your duty of care as a tenant — you must return the flat in the same condition as you received it, except for normal wear and tear. According to Chapter 12, Section 24 of the Land Code (jordabalken), the tenant must take good care of the flat and everything that comes with it, and is liable to compensate for damage that occurs through their fault or negligence.

## The deposit and furniture — what applies?

The deposit (deposition) is security that your landlord takes to cover potential damage and outstanding rent. When you move out, the flat is inspected, and your landlord can deduct costs for repairs to damage you caused. Furniture you brought yourself is treated differently from furniture that came with the flat.

If the furniture was yours when you moved in, you still own it. Your landlord cannot deduct anything for the furniture's depreciation or age. They can only deduct repair costs if you have damaged the furniture in a way that far exceeds normal wear and tear — for example, large burn marks, deep gouges from misuse, or moisture damage from your negligence.

## Deposit furniture damage — when can your landlord deduct?

Your landlord can only deduct from the deposit for actual repair or replacement costs. There must be a clear link between the damage and something you did or failed to do. Normal wear and tear — small scratches, colour changes, minor marks — does not count, because the tenant's liability under Chapter 12, Section 24 of the Land Code requires fault or negligence.

Examples of damage that may justify deductions:
- Large burn marks from cigarettes or candles
- Deep dents or cracks in the furniture
- Moisture damage from the furniture standing in water
- Stains or deposits that cannot be washed away

Examples of what does NOT justify deductions:
- The furniture is worn after normal use
- The furniture is several years old and worth less
- Small scratches or marks from normal use
- The furniture is damaged by something outside your control

## Furniture that came with the flat

If the furniture was part of the flat when you moved in, the situation is different. You are required to take good care of it during your tenancy. Your landlord can then deduct repair or replacement costs if the furniture is damaged due to your negligence or misuse.

The same principle applies here: normal wear and tear does not count. A sofa that is worn after ten years of use cannot be repaired at your expense just because it is old. But if you have made a large hole in the sofa or spilled something that cannot be removed, your landlord can deduct the repair cost.

## How is damage documented?

Your landlord must be able to show that the damage exists and what it costs to repair. At an inspection meeting when you move out, you should:

1. Go through the flat together with your landlord
2. Photograph or film furniture and any damage
3. Note what is normal wear and tear and what is actual damage
4. Ask your landlord to specify which damage they consider yours
5. Keep all photos and notes

If your landlord later sends a deduction notice, you can challenge it if you disagree. You can then appeal to the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden), which will assess whether the deduction is justified.

## Table: Furniture, damage and deduction rights

| Scenario | What applies | Source |
|----------|--------------|--------|
| Furniture you owned when you moved in — normal wear and tear | No deduction right | Chapter 12, Section 24, Land Code |
| Furniture you owned — actual damage from your negligence | Deduction for repair allowed | Chapter 12, Section 24, Land Code |
| Furniture that came with the flat — normal wear and tear | No deduction right | Chapter 12, Section 24, Land Code |
| Furniture that came with the flat — actual damage from you | Deduction for repair allowed | Chapter 12, Section 24, Land Code |
| Furniture damaged by something outside your control | No deduction right | Chapter 12, Section 24, Land Code |

## Checklist: How to protect yourself when you move out

1. **Before the inspection** — Clean furniture and the flat thoroughly. Remove loose stains and dirt that could be mistaken for damage.

2. **During the inspection** — Be present and document everything. Photograph furniture from several angles, both overall and in detail.

3. **Challenge immediately** — If your landlord points out something you disagree with, say so at once. Note their response.

4. **Keep the documentation** — Photos, videos, notes and all messages from your landlord are kept for at least one year.

5. **Read the deduction notice carefully** — If your landlord sends a deduction notice, check that each deduction is specified with price and damage description.

6. **Object if you disagree** — You have the right to challenge the deduction in writing. Your landlord must then be able to prove that the damage is yours and what it costs to repair.

7. **Contact the Rent Tribunal** — If you cannot agree, you can report the dispute to the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden), which will assess whether the deduction is justified.

## Frequently asked questions

**Can your landlord deduct for furniture that is worn after many years?**
No. Normal wear and tear is not grounds for deduction. Furniture that is ten years old and worth less than when you moved in cannot be repaired at your expense just because it is old. Your landlord must be able to show that you caused actual damage through fault or negligence under Chapter 12, Section 24 of the Land Code.

**What counts as normal wear and tear on furniture?**
Small scratches, colour changes from sun, small marks from normal use, and general wear from the furniture being used as intended. If the furniture is still usable and has no major damage, it is normal wear and tear.

**Can your landlord deduct for furniture that was already damaged when I moved in?**
No. You are not responsible for damage that existed before you moved in. This is why it is important to document the condition of the furniture at move-in. If you notice damage then, note it in writing and ask your landlord to confirm it.

**What do I do if my landlord deducts for something I don't think is my damage?**
You can challenge the deduction in writing and ask your landlord to prove that the damage is yours and what it costs to repair. If you cannot agree, you can report the dispute to the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden), which will assess whether the deduction is justified.

## Related articles

Read more about the deposit and what your landlord can deduct in [What can your landlord deduct from your deposit?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/rental-deposit-sweden-rules-amount-2026)

If you want to know what it costs to get your deposit back, see [What does it cost to get your deposit back?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/what-does-it-cost-to-get-your-deposit-back)

If you are letting out a furnished flat, you can read about higher deposits here: [Can you charge a higher deposit for furnished lettings?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/can-you-charge-a-higher-deposit-for-furnished-lettings)

More about your rights as a tenant can be found in [Tenant's right to install furniture: What does the law say?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/tenant-s-right-to-install-furniture-what-does-the-law-say)

If you want to know more about the inspection when you move out, see Can you get your deposit back without your landlord inspecting?

*This text is general information about rental flats and deposits. It is not legal advice for your specific situation.*