| Scenario | Is it permitted? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Refuse due to low income without verification of payment ability | No | Must be based on verifiable documents |
| Refuse due to previous payment defaults | Yes | Legitimate reason related to ability to pay |
| Refuse because applicant is a single parent | No | Discrimination based on family situation |
| Refuse because applicant is retired but has good finances | No | Discrimination based on age |
| Refuse because applicant has had disputes with previous landlords | Yes | Legitimate reason related to landlord's ability to conduct business |
| Refuse because applicant is from a particular country | No | Discrimination based on ethnic background |
| Refuse because applicant wants to have a lodger | No | See separate article on lodgers |
| Refuse because applicant has a pet | Possible | Only if expressly prohibited in the contract |
No, a landlord cannot refuse a tenant without grounds. A landlord must have a legitimate reason to decline someone as a tenant, and the reason must be defensible under rental law. A refusal without grounds is invalid and can be appealed to the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden).
A landlord cannot refuse a tenant without reason
A landlord's right to choose a tenant is not unlimited. Even though the landlord owns the property, they cannot discriminate or make decisions on arbitrary grounds. Legislation protects tenants from unfair treatment when applying and during the rental period.
Discrimination based on race, ethnic background, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or age is prohibited under discrimination law. A refusal based on these grounds is always invalid, regardless of what the landlord claims is the reason.
What grounds are legitimate for a landlord?
A landlord may refuse an application if there are factual, verifiable reasons that are relevant to the landlord's ability to receive payment and maintain the flat in good condition.
Financial ability to pay is the most common ground. A landlord may request a certificate from an employer, payslip or other documents showing that the tenant can pay the rent. If the tenant has payment defaults or debts, the landlord may refuse on this basis.
Previous rental history is relevant. If the tenant has previously breached a rental agreement — by failing to pay rent, damaging the flat or breaking contract terms — the landlord may refuse on this basis.
Criminal background may be grounds, but only if it is directly relevant to the landlord's ability to conduct their business. A crime from long ago is normally not legitimate.
What a landlord cannot do when refusing a tenant
A landlord may not refuse on the basis of:
- Personal preferences: "I don't like your appearance" or "You don't seem to fit in here"
- Family situation: That the tenant is a single parent, married, cohabiting or anything else
- Nationality or origin: Even if framed as something else
- Religion or belief: Regardless of how it is justified
- Sexual orientation or gender identity
- Disability: Even if the landlord claims it is for practical reasons
- That the tenant has children: This is discrimination
- That the tenant is retired or unemployed: If they can pay the rent
Comparison: Legitimate and illegitimate refusals
What can a tenant do if a landlord refuses without grounds?
Step 1: Request written reasons
Ask the landlord to explain in writing why the application was refused. The landlord is not legally required to provide this information, but it is often the first step in understanding whether the refusal is legitimate.
Step 2: Check whether it is discrimination
If the refusal appears to be based on one of the protected grounds (race, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation), it is discrimination regardless of what the landlord says.
Step 3: Contact the Rent Tribunal
The Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) is the authority that resolves disputes between landlords and tenants. You can report an unfair refusal there. The Rent Tribunal can order the landlord to accept the tenant or award damages.
Step 4: Document everything
Keep all communication with the landlord — emails, letters, messages. If you later need to prove that the refusal was unfair, this is important.
Step 5: Contact the Equality Ombudsman if it is discrimination
If you believe you have been discriminated against, you can also report this to the Equality Ombudsman (Diskrimineringsombudsmannen), which is an independent authority.
Frequently asked questions
Can a landlord refuse me because I am unemployed?
No, not solely because you are unemployed. However, the landlord may request documentation that you can pay the rent — for example by showing savings, a job offer or an insurance certificate. See our article on renting without employment verification.
Can a landlord refuse me because I want to have a lodger?
It depends on what the rental agreement says. A landlord can prohibit lodgers through the agreement, but cannot refuse you as a tenant on this basis before you sign. See our article on lodgers.
Can a landlord refuse me because I have a cat?
A landlord can prohibit pets through the agreement, but this must be clear before you apply. If the agreement is already signed, the landlord normally cannot prohibit pets retroactively. See our article on pets in rental flats.
What applies if the landlord says they "just don't want to"?
That is not enough. The landlord must have a legitimate reason. If the landlord cannot present a concrete, verifiable reason, you can report this to the Rent Tribunal. See our article on the Rent Tribunal and your rights.
Related articles
Read more about landlord rights and obligations:
- Can a landlord refuse me from having a lodger?
- Can a landlord refuse wall decorations?
- Can a landlord refuse a tenant from having a cat?
- Renting without employment verification: What can a landlord require?
- The Rent Tribunal: how it works and your rights as a tenant
This text is general information about rental law and does not replace legal advice.
