In a second-hand rental:

• you rent from the current tenant or apartment owner
• the contract is temporary
• the main tenant remains responsible to the landlord

These contracts often last 3–12 months, sometimes longer.

where people find second-hand rentals

Most listings appear on private housing platforms.

qasa

A popular rental platform that focuses on secure second-hand rentals, with identity verification and contracts handled through the platform.

blocket bostad

One of Sweden’s largest housing classifieds websites, with thousands of apartment listings including many second-hand rentals.

samtrygg

A platform specialising in verified sublets and temporary housing, with ID checks and standardised rental agreements.

bostads portal

A large Nordic rental portal with listings for apartments, rooms, and shared housing.

facebook housing groups

Many second-hand rentals are also advertised in city-specific Facebook groups such as Apartments in Stockholm, Housing Gothenburg, and Malmö Rentals. These groups allow direct contact with landlords and tenants offering sublets.

Second-hand rentals are the most common entry point for internationals in Sweden — but they come with increasing constraints.

A second-hand rental requires:

• permission from the landlord or housing association (BRF)
• a valid reason (e.g. work, studies, temporary relocation)
• a written agreement between tenant and subtenant

Rent must also be reasonable and regulated, not arbitrarily set. Hyresnämnden oversees disputes and approvals in many cases.

tightening rules and enforcement

Recent developments have made second-hand renting more restrictive:

• Approvals for subletting are more strictly enforced
• Permission is often limited to valid, temporary reasons
• Long-term or repeated subletting is harder to justify
• Unauthorised subletting can lead to eviction of both parties

In some cases, approvals are granted only for clearly defined periods (e.g. work assignments or studies), and extensions require renewed justification.

what this means for non-EU internationals

Second-hand renting used to function as a flexible long-term workaround. That is becoming less reliable.

In practice:

• contracts are often time-limited
• extensions are not guaranteed
• landlords may reclaim the property with notice if their circumstances change
• approval for subletting can be denied or withdrawn

Unauthorised subletting is also risky because:

• tenants may face eviction
• deposits can be difficult to recover
• legal protections are weaker compared to first-hand contracts

reality check

• Second-hand housing is still the most accessible entry point for internationals
• But it should be treated as temporary and transitional, not permanent
• Stability depends heavily on the primary tenant’s situation, not just yours

Second-hand rentals are totally legal in Sweden—but there are rules to protect both you and the main tenant. Follow them, and you’ll stay safe from scams or losing your place.

permission is usually required

The main tenant must normally get approval to sublet. That could come from:

• the landlord (for rental apartments)
• the housing association (for owned apartments)

Without permission, the sublet might not be valid.

rent must follow limits

Second-hand rents can’t be crazy high. A little extra is OK for things like furniture, utilities, or internet, but excessive increases can be challenged.

always use a written contract

Protect yourself with a clear agreement. Make sure it states:

• monthly rent
• contract length
• notice period
• what’s included in the rent

illegal sublets can create risk

If the sublet isn’t approved, the main tenant could lose their contract, which could affect your housing too.