---
title: "What does it cost to get your deposit back?"
author: "William Wiklund"
authorUrl: "https://bofrid.se/en/articles/authors/william-wiklund"
datePublished: "2026-09-26T07:15:04.631Z"
dateModified: "2026-09-26T07:15:04.660Z"
description: "A landlord can only deduct from the deposit for actual damage and unpaid rent. Normal wear and tear is not a cost. Here's how to reclaim your deposit."
keywords: ["deposit cost landlord withholding", "what can a landlord deduct from deposit", "normal wear and tear deposit", "get deposit back", "Rent Tribunal deposit"]
categories: ["Guides", "Landlord"]
canonical: "https://bofrid.se/en/articles/what-does-it-cost-to-get-your-deposit-back"
language: "en"
image: "https://bofrid.media/cms/f0567f8d8c8d1c8d74a965e0857a719cbd98f286.webp"
---

# What does it cost to get your deposit back?

## A landlord cannot withhold the deposit without good reason

A deposit is money a tenant pays when the contract begins, as security that the flat is returned in good condition. A landlord can only deduct from the deposit for actual damage or unpaid rent — not for normal wear and tear. If a landlord withholds money without justification, the tenant must demand it back in writing, and if there is disagreement, the dispute can go to the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden).

## What does the law say about deposits?

The Private Rental Act (privatuthyrningslagen) (2026:772) applies when a private person rents out their own home or a flat. Under section 4 of the Act, contract terms that are disadvantageous to the tenant are void — this means a landlord cannot write in terms giving them the right to keep the deposit for anything whatsoever.

A deposit is not rent and not compensation for wear and tear. It is security. A landlord can only use the money for:

- Actual damage caused by the tenant (not normal wear and tear)
- Unpaid rent
- Costs to repair or replace something the tenant has damaged

Anything else is unlawful.

## Deposit costs — what can a landlord deduct?

A landlord must be able to show what the money was used for. A list of damage is not enough — the landlord must present:

- Photographs or inspection records from move-in and move-out
- Quotes or invoices from repair contractors
- Receipts for materials or labour costs

If the landlord cannot prove the cost, the money must be returned.

### Normal wear and tear is not a cost

Normal wear and tear is what naturally occurs when someone lives in a flat. Examples:

- Small scratches on the floor
- Faded paint on walls from sunlight
- Worn kitchen worktops
- Minor marks on walls from pictures

A landlord cannot deduct for this. If a landlord does, the tenant can demand the money back.

### Actual damage is a cost

Actual damage is something that would not have happened if the tenant had been careful. Examples:

- Large holes in walls
- Broken cooker or fridge
- Water damage from a forgotten dishwasher
- Broken door or window

A landlord can deduct for this — but only for the repair itself, not for profit or markup.

## Deposit costs a landlord is withholding — what can you do?

| Situation | What you do | Result |
|-----------|-----------|----------|
| Landlord deducts for normal wear and tear | Demand money back in writing | Money must be returned |
| Landlord does not show receipts | Request documentation | Without proof, money must be returned |
| Landlord does not reply | Send reminder by registered mail | You can go to the Rent Tribunal |
| Landlord refuses to pay | Report to the Rent Tribunal | The Tribunal can order the landlord to pay |

## Step by step — how to get your deposit back

1. **Keep all documents.** Photographs from move-in, rental contract, payment confirmations.

2. **Do a final inspection.** Ask the landlord to do a joint inspection walk-through when you move out. Document the flat's condition together.

3. **Demand the deposit in writing.** Send a letter or email asking for the money back. Name a bank account.

4. **If the landlord deducts money, ask for an explanation.** Ask what costs have been deducted and request receipts and photographs.

5. **Compare with the contract.** Read what the contract says about the deposit. If the landlord breaks the contract, point it out.

6. **Send a reminder.** If the landlord does not reply, send a registered letter giving them extra time.

7. **Report to the Rent Tribunal.** If the landlord still refuses, you can report the dispute to the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden). It is free and you do not need a lawyer.

## Frequently asked questions

**Can a landlord charge interest on the deposit?**
No. The deposit is your property and the landlord cannot charge interest or a fee for holding the money.

**How long does a landlord have to return the deposit?**
The law does not set an exact time, but it must happen without undue delay — normally within a few weeks after you move out. If the landlord deducts money, they must be able to show why.

**What if the landlord is away or hard to reach?**
You can send a registered letter to their address. If they do not reply, you can report them to the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden), which can force them to pay.

**Can a landlord deduct for furniture or fittings I left behind?**
No. Furniture and fittings are your belongings. A landlord can only deduct for damage to the flat itself — walls, floors, appliances and fitted fixtures.

## What applies to furnished lettings?

If you rent a furnished flat, a landlord can deduct for damage to the furniture — but only if the damage is more than normal wear and tear. A scratched chair or a stained sofa is normal wear and tear. A broken chair or a sofa with large holes is damage.

The landlord must still show receipts and photographs.

Read more about this in the article [Can you charge a higher deposit for furnished lettings?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/can-you-charge-a-higher-deposit-for-furnished-lettings)

## What can a landlord deduct from the deposit?

If you want to know exactly what costs a landlord can deduct, read [What can a landlord deduct from the deposit?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/rental-deposit-sweden-rules-amount-2026) There each type of damage and cost is explained.

## Other rights you should know about

A deposit is only part of your rights as a tenant. You also have the right to know what a landlord can and cannot do during the contract.

- If you want to know what it costs to break a rental contract early, read [What does it cost to break a rental contract?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/what-does-it-cost-to-break-a-rental-contract)
- If you are unsure whether a landlord can raise the rent, read [Can a landlord raise the rent during the contract period?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/can-the-landlord-raise-the-rent-mid-contract)
- If you wonder whether you can keep a pet, read [Can a landlord ban pets?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/pets-in-rental-apartments-in-sweden-rules-rights-agreements-your)

*This text is general information and not legal advice.*