---
title: "Can a landlord refuse to end a tenancy?"
author: "Philip Rönnmark"
authorUrl: "https://bofrid.com/en/articles/authors/philip-ronnmark"
datePublished: "2026-11-02T07:15:02.835Z"
dateModified: "2026-11-02T07:15:02.870Z"
description: "No, a landlord cannot refuse notice without grounds. Read about your rights when ending a rental contract and what applies in disputes."
keywords: ["can landlord refuse notice rental contract", "landlord refuse to end tenancy", "tenant end rental agreement", "landlord end rental contract", "notice period rental flat rights", "Rent Tribunal notice"]
categories: ["Tenant", "Guides"]
canonical: "https://bofrid.com/en/articles/can-a-landlord-refuse-to-end-a-tenancy"
language: "en"
image: "https://bofrid.media/cms/9fd43e38794cb5fee1442ba5c117e11931e6ca53.webp"
---

# Can a landlord refuse to end a tenancy?

No, a landlord cannot refuse to end a rental contract without valid grounds. A landlord has the right to end the contract, but only under the conditions prescribed by the agreement and the law. Notice must be given with the correct notice period and with valid grounds — otherwise the tenant can claim compensation or bring a case to the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden).

## Can a landlord refuse to end a rental contract?

A landlord cannot simply refuse a tenant's right to end the contract. However, a landlord can only end the contract themselves if there are valid grounds. If a landlord tries to end the contract without grounds, or if a tenant gives notice but the landlord refuses to accept it, the dispute can go to the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden).

It is important to distinguish between two situations: when a tenant gives notice and when a landlord gives notice. A tenant generally has the right to end their rental contract, while a landlord is more restricted. Which rules apply depends on whether the flat is let as a rental flat (hyresrätt) (governed by Chapter 12 of the Land Code, also called the Rent Act) or as private letting of a flat owned by a private person (governed by the Private Letting Act (privatuthyrningslagen)).

## Tenant's right to give notice — can a landlord refuse?

A tenant can end a rental agreement by giving notice according to the contract or according to law. A landlord cannot refuse this notice. If a landlord tries to prevent a tenant from moving, or demands compensation to allow notice, this is unlawful.

For a standard rental flat (hyresrätt), according to Chapter 12, Section 5 of the Land Code, a tenant may end the agreement at the end of a calendar month occurring no earlier than three months after notice is given. For private letting, the notice period for a tenant is shorter according to the Private Letting Act (privatuthyrningslagen). A tenant should always give written notice to avoid proof problems.

## Landlord's right to give notice — when can this happen?

A landlord can end a rental agreement, but only under special circumstances:

- **Own need**: The landlord needs the flat for their own residence or for a close relative.
- **Material breach**: The tenant does not pay rent, damages the flat seriously, or breaches the contract terms in a material way.
- **Notice period**: The landlord must give notice according to the contract and according to law.

For a rental flat (hyresrätt), a tenant generally has security of tenure (besittningsskydd) according to Chapter 12 of the Land Code, which means a landlord cannot end a tenancy arbitrarily. For private letting, however, there is no security of tenure according to the Private Letting Act (privatuthyrningslagen). If a landlord ends the tenancy without valid grounds, a tenant can in some cases claim compensation for loss of housing and any costs of finding a new flat.

## What applies in case of disagreement?

If a landlord and tenant disagree about notice, the dispute can be resolved through:

1. **Negotiation**: The parties try to reach an agreement on a solution.
2. **Mediation**: A neutral third party helps resolve the conflict.
3. **Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden)**: The dispute can be taken to the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden), which is a court specialising in rental matters.

The Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) can rule on whether the notice was valid and whether either party should pay compensation.

## Comparison: Different scenarios for notice

| Scenario | What applies | Who can act |
|----------|--------------|-------------|
| Tenant wants to move | Tenant can give notice with notice period | Tenant |
| Landlord needs the flat themselves | Landlord can give notice with grounds | Landlord |
| Tenant does not pay rent | Landlord can give notice for material breach | Landlord |
| Landlord gives notice without grounds | Tenant can claim compensation | Tenant can sue |
| Tenant refuses to move out | Landlord can bring eviction proceedings | Landlord |

## Step-by-step: What do you do if a landlord refuses notice?

1. **Send written notice**: Send notice by post or email with delivery confirmation.
2. **Document everything**: Keep all emails, letters and messages from the landlord.
3. **Contact the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden)**: If the landlord refuses to accept notice, report the dispute.
4. **Gather evidence**: Collect the contract, notice and all communication.
5. **Bring a case**: The Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) can rule on whether notice was valid.
6. **Follow up**: Ensure the landlord accepts your decision to move.

## Landlord's obligations when giving notice

When a landlord ends a rental contract, there are several obligations that must be followed. For a rental flat (hyresrätt), according to Chapter 12, Section 8 of the Land Code, notice must be given in writing, and it must contain clear information about the grounds for notice. A landlord cannot simply give notice orally — it must be documented.

If a landlord gives notice on grounds of own need, this ground must be genuine and documented. A landlord cannot give notice for own need and then let the flat to someone else shortly afterwards. This would be considered an abuse of the right to give notice.

A landlord must also follow the contract and any special terms that apply to notice. If the contract states that the notice period is longer than what the law requires, the contract must be followed. A landlord cannot shorten the notice period without the tenant's consent.

If a landlord breaches these obligations, a tenant can claim compensation for loss of housing, moving costs and any financial loss. The dispute can be taken to the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) for assessment.

## Frequently asked questions

**Can a landlord demand compensation to allow me to give notice early?**
No. A landlord cannot demand compensation to accept notice. If the contract says otherwise, that term is invalid. You have the right to give notice according to the contract or the law.

**What happens if I give notice but the landlord says I cannot move?**
A landlord cannot prevent you from moving if you have given proper notice. If the landlord refuses, you can report to the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) and demand to be allowed to move. You can also claim compensation for inconvenience.

**Can a landlord end my contract at any time?**
No. A landlord can only end the contract with valid grounds, for example own need or if you seriously breach the contract. The notice period must also be followed. Without grounds, you can claim compensation.

**How long is the notice period normally?**
For a rental flat (hyresrätt), according to Chapter 12, Section 5 of the Land Code, a tenant's notice period is three months to the end of a calendar month, while a landlord's notice period is regulated in the same chapter. For private letting, shorter periods apply according to the Private Letting Act (privatuthyrningslagen). Check your rental contract to see exactly what notice period applies in your case.

## Related articles

Read more about your rights as a tenant:

- [Can you end a rental agreement without giving notice?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/can-you-terminate-a-rental-contract-without-giving-notice)
- [What does it cost to break a rental contract?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/what-does-it-cost-to-break-a-rental-contract)
- [Can a tenant refuse to move out?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/right-of-possession-guide)
- [Can you end a subletting contract at any time?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/can-you-terminate-a-subletting-contract-whenever-you-want)
- [Rental contract before moving in: what should you check?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/rental-contract-before-moving-in-what-to-check)

*This text is general information about rental flats and does not replace legal advice. If in doubt, contact the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) or a lawyer.*