This policy sets out SBB’s general principles for renting out properties in the company’s housing stock. Everyone must have an opportunity to apply for housing with us and we work actively for diversity, integration and the equal value of all people. The purpose of the policy is to ensure that all properties are rented out consistently and transparently and that external target groups are able to know the requirements the company sets for tenants before a tenancy is entered into.
To rent a property from us, you need to meet the following basic requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must have a Swedish personal ID number.
- You must have a regular income.
- You must have a financial situation that enables you to pay the rent for the apartment and you must meet the requirements of the Swedish Consumer Agency regarding a reasonable standard of living.
- A credit check is obtained and references are requested for each applicant prior to viewing any potential apartment.
- The person whose name is on the lease must be the person living in the apartment.
- You can only have one (1) primary lease with SBB.
Rules on overcrowding
SBB has rules on overcrowding. Apartments with 1 room plus kitchen may house a maximum of 3 people, for 2 rooms plus kitchen the maximum is 4 people, 3 rooms plus kitchen a maximum of 6 people, 4 rooms plus kitchen a maximum of 8 people and 5 rooms plus kitchen a maximum of 10 people.
Switching apartments
In case of an apartment switch, the tenant must have been living in the apartment, for which the rental agreement relates, for at least one year.
The tenant must give sufficient notice. SBB reserves the right to decide on which date the apartment switch shall take place.
Transfer of tenancy
Under certain circumstances, you as a tenant have an opportunity to transfer your tenancy to someone else, provided that you have obtained the consent of the landlord. Transferring the tenancy without the consent of the landlord means you risk losing the tenancy. SBB applies the rules of the Housing Act and the practice that follows therefrom. Tenancies may only be transferred if the person to whom you wish to transfer your home is close to you and you have lived together for a reasonable period of time and shared a household, e.g. as partners. In this case, living together for a reasonable period of time means approximately 3 years. You cannot transfer your property to a room-mate. You as the tenant have to be able to demonstrate that the criteria for transferring the tenancy have been met. The person who is to take over the tenancy via transfer of tenancy must also meet SBB’s ordinary tenancy criteria in terms of income, conduct, etc.
Transfer of tenancy in the event of death
In the case of a tenancy being transferred in the event of the death of the tenant, a shorter period of living together may be accepted and in cases such as this it is the person wishing to take over the tenancy who must demonstrate that the criteria for transfer of tenancy are met. Applications to transfer a tenancy must be signed by all the executors. The person who takes over the tenancy takes over responsibility for any damage to the property even if it took place before the tenancy was transferred.
Subletting
As a tenant, you are allowed to sublet your property but you must always obtain written permission from your landlord. If you sublet your apartment without permission, you are in breach of your tenancy and risk losing your apartment.
Subletting criteria
Your application will only be granted if there are noteworthy reasons for you to sublet your property. We follow the rules of the Tenancy Act (hyreslagen) on what are considered to be noteworthy reasons, for example working or studying in another location. You must also have had the apartment as your permanent residence (you must be entered in the population register at that address) in order to let it out to someone else. If you have given notice on your tenancy, you cannot sublet the property. Our tenancy officers check incoming applications and you must be able to justify your reasons, e.g. with a statement from your employer or education institution.
Your application will only be granted if there are noteworthy reasons for you to sub-let your property. We follow the rules of the Tenancy Act (hyreslagen) on what are considered to be noteworthy reasons, for example working or studying in another location. You must also have had the apartment as your permanent residence (you must be entered in the population register at that address) in order to let it out to someone else. If you have given notice on your tenancy, you cannot sublet the property. Our tenancy officers check incoming applications and you must be able to justify your reasons, e.g. with a statement from your employer or education institution.
Written consent from the landlord is valid for a limited period, normally one year at a time. The same subtenant can sublet your apartment from you for a maximum of two years.
Things to remember:
- As the primary tenant, you are liable for payments and responsible for any disruption and damage during the period when you are subletting your apartment.
- The subtenant can never take over the tenancy and no tenancy relationship can arise between the landlord and the subtenant.
- An approved application is only valid for the named subtenant stated on the application.
- Once you have received approval from the landlord, you need to enter into a tenancy agreement with your subtenant.