---
title: "Can you deduct internet costs from rent?"
author: "William Wiklund"
authorUrl: "https://bofrid.com/en/articles/authors/william-wiklund"
datePublished: "2026-11-01T07:15:02.426Z"
dateModified: "2026-11-01T07:15:02.452Z"
description: "No, internet is a separate cost. When subletting, you can include internet in rent if agreed and part of your primary contract."
keywords: ["deduct internet from rent", "internet subletting", "what is included in rent", "internet cost tenant", "subletting contract internet", "rent and utilities"]
categories: ["General", "Guides"]
canonical: "https://bofrid.com/en/articles/can-you-deduct-internet-costs-from-rent"
language: "en"
image: "https://bofrid.media/cms/f28b30bcfb4259851e5ba942923f13e8aa1b7639.webp"
---

# Can you deduct internet costs from rent?

No, you cannot deduct internet costs from your rent as a tenant. Internet is a service that you pay for separately and is not included in rent unless explicitly agreed between you and your landlord. Rent is a fixed payment for the use of the flat, while internet is a separate cost that you are responsible for.

## Can you deduct internet from rent when subletting?

If you are subletting a flat and internet is included in the rent you pay to your first-hand landlord, you can include this cost in the sublet rent. However, you must be clear in the subletting contract about what is included in the rent. According to the privatuthyrningslagen (private rental law, 2026:772), the rent must be determined as to amount, and the parties may agree that payment for utilities shall be made as an amount corresponding to the cost of consumption.

It is important to distinguish between:
- **Internet included in rent**: If you as a subtenant landlord pay internet to your first-hand landlord and this is included in your rent, you can charge the corresponding cost to your subtenant.
- **Internet as a separate service**: If internet is a separate subscription that you pay for yourself, you cannot automatically deduct this from rent without a clear agreement with your subtenant.

## What does the law say about deducting internet from rent when subletting?

The privatuthyrningslagen (private rental law, 2026:772) regulates subletting and states that rent must be determined as to amount. If you and your subtenant agree that internet is included in the rent, this must be clear from the contract. You cannot later claim that internet should be included if it is not stated in the agreement.

When subletting, the same principles apply as with first-hand (primary) rental: the parties must agree on what is included in the rent. If internet is a cost that you actually pay and that the subtenant uses, you can include this in the rent – but only if it is agreed.

## Practical examples of internet and rent

| Scenario | What applies | Source |
|----------|--------------|--------|
| Internet is included in your first-hand rent and you are subletting | You can charge internet to your subtenant if agreed | Privatuthyrningslagen (2026:772) chapter 2, section 1 |
| You pay internet separately and are subletting | You cannot deduct internet from rent without agreement | Privatuthyrningslagen (2026:772) chapter 2, section 1 |
| Internet is not mentioned in the subletting contract | You cannot later demand payment for internet | Contract law |
| You and your subtenant agree that internet is included | You can charge this cost as part of the rent | Privatuthyrningslagen (2026:772) chapter 2, section 1 |

## Checklist: How to handle internet when subletting

1. **Check your first-hand (primary) contract**: Read what is included in your rent from your first-hand landlord. Is internet included or is it a separate cost?

2. **Decide what is included in the sublet rent**: Before writing the subletting contract, decide whether internet should be included or not.

3. **Write clearly in the contract**: If internet is included, write this down explicitly together with the amount or how the cost is calculated.

4. **Document the cost**: Keep receipts for your internet costs to show what you actually pay.

5. **Inform your subtenant**: Make it clear from the start what is included in the rent and what are separate costs.

6. **Update when prices change**: If internet costs change, inform your subtenant and update the agreement if relevant.

7. **Keep all correspondence**: Retain emails and messages showing what you have agreed on.

## Frequently asked questions

**Can I increase the sublet rent if internet costs go up?**
It depends on what is stated in the subletting contract. If you have agreed that internet is included and the cost is linked to actual consumption, you can increase the rent corresponding to the cost increase – but this must be agreed in advance. If the rent is fixed and internet is included, you cannot increase it without your subtenant's consent.

**What happens if my subtenant refuses to pay for internet?**
If internet is agreed as part of the rent and your subtenant refuses to pay, this can be treated as non-payment of rent. You can then follow the normal procedures for non-payment of rent, but you must be able to show that internet was part of the agreed rent amount.

**Can I require my subtenant to pay for internet themselves?**
Yes, that is entirely possible. Many subtenant landlords let the tenant pay for their own internet subscription. This must then be clearly stated in the contract, and internet is not included in the rent.

**Must I have the same internet provider as my subtenant?**
No, that is not necessary. If internet is included in the rent, your subtenant can often choose their own provider, but it is often simpler to let them pay directly to the provider instead of you deducting it from the rent.

## Related articles

Read more about rent and costs when subletting:
- [Can you deduct electricity costs from rent when subletting?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/can-you-deduct-the-electricity-bill-from-the-rent-when-subletting)
- [Can you deduct furnishings from rent when letting?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/can-you-deduct-furnishings-from-rent-when-letting)
- [How is rent affected by the privatuthyrningslagen (2026:772)?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/how-the-private-housing-rental-act-2026-772-affects-your-rent)
- [First-hand or sublet – which contract do you have?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/firsthand-or-secondhand-rental-contract-sweden)
- How much can a landlord charge as a deposit on a sublet?

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