Can the landlord demand rent in advance?

Can the landlord demand rent in advance?

Yes, the landlord may demand rent in advance. According to Chapter 12, Section 19 of the Swedish Land Code (jordabalken), rent must be paid no later than the last working day before each rental period. This means the landlord has the right to receive the rent before the period begins. There is no general ban on advance payment.

The rules of the rent law (hyreslagen) on when rent is paid

The rent law regulates when the rent must be paid. If nothing else has been agreed, Chapter 12, Section 19 of the Swedish Land Code (jordabalken) applies. The rent for a month must be paid no later than the last working day before the month begins. This is an advance payment. If the landlord and the tenant have agreed on a different payment time, for example in arrears, that agreement applies.

What does the law say about the amount of rent?

The rent must be set to a fixed amount according to Chapter 2, Section 1 of the Private Housing Letting Act (privatuthyrningslagen, 2026:772) for private individuals who let out a maximum of two flats. For landlords who regularly let out more than two flats, the rules of the Swedish Land Code (jordabalken) on use-value rent (bruksvärdeshyra) instead apply. The rent may not be unreasonable. If the rent is too high, the tenant can request a review by the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden).

Exceptions to advance payment

There are situations where the landlord may not demand rent in advance. If the tenant has a fixed-term rental of less than three months, or if the rental agreement is for a fixed term and the rental period is shorter than one month, special rules apply. In such cases, the landlord may not demand rent further ahead than what is reasonable.

Table: Payment time for rent

Can the landlord demand a full year's rent in advance?

No, the landlord cannot demand that the tenant pay rent for an entire year in advance. Such a clause would be unreasonable under Section 36 of the Contracts Act (avtalslagen). The rental flat is to be paid ongoingly, month by month. If the landlord nevertheless tries to demand annual payment, the tenant can dispute the demand.

What applies to deposits?

A deposit (deposition) is not the same as advance rent. A deposit is a security for possible damages. According to the rules on deposits, the landlord may not use the deposit as rent. Read more in our article on deposits and what the landlord may deduct.

Rent in advance for subletting

For subletting (andrahandsuthyrning), the same rules apply as for first-hand (primary) letting. The landlord may demand rent in advance. However, the rent must be reasonable. If you are subletting, read our guide on subletting in Sweden.

The landlord's right to demand payment

The landlord has the right to demand payment according to the agreement. If the tenant does not pay on time, the landlord can terminate the rental agreement. Termination due to unpaid rent can lead to eviction. However, the landlord must first send a payment reminder and give the tenant a chance to pay.

When advance payment is unreasonable

In certain cases, a demand for advance payment may be unreasonable. If the landlord demands payment far before the rental period begins, or if the landlord demands payment for a period not yet agreed upon, it may be unreasonable. The tenant can then contact the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden).

Difference between advance payment and deposit

A deposit (deposition) is a sum that the landlord holds as security. It may not be used as rent. If the landlord does so anyway, the landlord is breaking the rules. Read more in our article on deposits.

What do you do if the landlord demands too much in advance?

If the landlord demands more than what is legal, for example rent for an entire year, you should protest in writing. You can contact the Swedish Tenant's Union (Hyresgästföreningen) or the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) for help. The Rent Tribunal can set the rent and possibly declare the demand invalid.

How does a rent-to-own (hyrköp) agreement affect payment?

Rent-to-own (hyrköp) is a new form of housing introduced through the Act (2026:843) on rent-to-own of housing (lag om hyrköp av bostad), in force from 2 July 2026. In a rent-to-own agreement, the rent-to-own buyer pays a rent-to-own fee (hyrköpsavgift) which is often paid in advance. The law regulates that the rent-to-own buyer has the right to buy the dwelling after a certain period. If you are considering a rent-to-own agreement, read our article on what happens to your rent in a rent-to-own agreement under the new law.

Summary

The landlord may demand rent in advance. This is standard practice in Sweden. However, the landlord may not demand unreasonably long advance payments, such as a full year. If you are unsure of your rights, contact the Swedish Tenant's Union (Hyresgästföreningen) or the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden).

Frequently asked questions

Can the landlord demand three months' rent in advance? No, that is unreasonable. The rent is to be paid monthly in advance. The landlord cannot demand payment for a longer period than one month at a time, unless there are special reasons.

Can the landlord demand rent in advance for subletting? Yes, the same rules apply. The rent must be paid no later than the last working day before the rental period. However, the rent must be reasonable.

What happens if I don't pay my rent on time? The landlord can terminate the agreement. You will receive a payment reminder. If you do not pay within a certain time, the landlord can apply for eviction.

Can the landlord demand simultaneous payment of a deposit and rent? Yes, that is common. The deposit is a security, the rent is for the accommodation. However, the deposit may not be used as rent.

The text is general information and not legal advice. For specific questions, contact a lawyer or the Swedish Tenant's Union (Hyresgästföreningen).