---
title: "Can you get your deposit back without a landlord inspection?"
author: "Esther Asmundsson"
authorUrl: "https://bofrid.se/en/articles/authors/EstherAsmundsson"
datePublished: "2026-10-03T07:15:04.723Z"
dateModified: "2026-10-03T07:15:04.755Z"
description: "No, the landlord must carry out a final inspection to return your deposit. Read the rules for rental flats and private lettings."
keywords: ["get deposit back without inspection", "final inspection rental flat", "deposit without inspection", "landlord inspection", "deposit refund"]
categories: ["Tenant", "Guides"]
canonical: "https://bofrid.se/en/articles/can-you-get-your-deposit-back-without-a-landlord-inspection"
language: "en"
image: "https://bofrid.media/cms/b5266a624be1e512d58f2cda2cfbdbd4a5ab362f.webp"
---

# Can you get your deposit back without a landlord inspection?

No, you cannot get your deposit back without the landlord inspecting the flat. The landlord has the right to carry out a final inspection when the rental contract ends. For rental flats (hyresrätt), this right is regulated in Chapter 12, Section 25 of the Land Code (jordabalken), and for private lettings the Private Lettings Act (privatuthyrningslagen) (2026:772) applies. The inspection is mandatory to establish whether you have caused damage that should be deducted from the deposit.

## Can you get deposit back without inspection?

No. The landlord must carry out a final inspection to return the deposit correctly. The inspection is the legal basis on which the landlord assesses whether the flat is in the same condition as when you moved in, or whether there is damage that should be deducted from the deposit.

For **rental flats**, this right follows from Chapter 12, Section 25 of the Land Code (jordabalken), which gives the landlord the right to inspect the flat when the rental contract ends. The law states that the landlord may require a deposit and that this may be used to cover damage caused by the tenant.

If the landlord does not carry out an inspection, you cannot get the deposit back, because the landlord then has no basis for assessing the flat's condition.

## What is the purpose of the final inspection?

The final inspection is a record of the flat's condition when you move out. The landlord compares the flat's condition at the start of the tenancy with its condition at the end. If there is damage beyond normal wear and tear, the landlord may deduct the costs from the deposit.

The inspection is also a protection for you as a tenant. It documents that you are not responsible for damage that already existed or that is due to normal wear and tear. Without an inspection, the landlord could make arbitrary deductions.

## Can you get deposit back without inspection if the flat is in perfect condition?

No, not without the landlord having inspected and documented this. Even if the flat is in excellent condition, the landlord must carry out the inspection to formally establish this. The inspection is a legal process, not just a practical measure.

The landlord cannot simply assume that everything is fine. The inspection must be carried out and documented for you to get the deposit back without deductions.

## How does the final inspection work?

The final inspection should be carried out when you move out or shortly afterwards. The landlord inspects all rooms, checks walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, appliances and other equipment included in the flat.

During the inspection, the following is documented:
- The flat's general condition
- Any damage or wear and tear
- The function of installations and appliances
- The state of cleanliness

The landlord should give you the opportunity to be present at the inspection. It is important that you are there so you can comment on any findings and ensure that the inspection is correct.

## Can you get deposit back without inspection if the landlord does not offer it?

You cannot demand to get the deposit back without an inspection, even if the landlord does not offer to carry one out. The inspection is the landlord's right and obligation under law. If the landlord does not carry out an inspection, you must remind them of this.

If the landlord refuses to carry out an inspection, you can contact the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) for help. The landlord is obliged to carry out the inspection and return the deposit under law.

## What does the final inspection cost?

The landlord may not charge the tenant for carrying out the final inspection. The inspection is part of the landlord's administrative work when the rental contract ends. The cost of the inspection is the landlord's responsibility.

If the landlord charges for the inspection, this is illegal. You can refuse to pay and contact the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) if the landlord does not back down.

## How long does it take to get the deposit back?

The landlord must return the deposit within a reasonable time after the rental contract has ended. A reasonable time is usually a few weeks, depending on how quickly the inspection can be carried out and how quickly the landlord can calculate any deductions.

The landlord must inform you of the result of the inspection and justify any deductions from the deposit. You have the right to receive a detailed statement of what has been deducted from the deposit and why.

## Can the landlord make deductions without showing you the inspection report?

No. The landlord must show you the inspection report and justify each deduction from the deposit. You have the right to see documentation of what damage was found and what costs have been deducted.

If the landlord makes deductions without showing you the report, you can dispute the deduction and demand that the deposit be returned. You can also contact the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) for help.

## What counts as normal wear and tear?

Normal wear and tear is deterioration that occurs through ordinary use of the flat. The landlord may not deduct costs for normal wear and tear from the deposit.

Examples of normal wear and tear:
- Small scratches on floors and furniture
- Faded paint on walls from sunlight
- Minor wear on door handles and light switches
- Small marks on walls from pictures

Examples of damage that is not normal wear and tear:
- Large holes in walls
- Broken or cracked tiles
- Stains from damp or mould
- Broken windows or doors
- Damage to appliances

## Comparison: Rental flat versus private letting

| Scenario | Rental flat | Private letting |
|----------|-------------|------------------|
| **Inspection mandatory?** | Yes, under Chapter 12, Section 25 of the Land Code (jordabalken) | Yes, under the Private Lettings Act (privatuthyrningslagen) (2026:772) |
| **Who carries it out?** | The landlord or the landlord's representative | The landlord or the landlord's representative |
| **Tenant can attend?** | Yes, strongly recommended | Yes, strongly recommended |
| **Cost to tenant?** | No | No |
| **Time for refund** | Reasonable time, usually a few weeks | Reasonable time, usually a few weeks |
| **Deductions for normal wear and tear** | No | No |

## Checklist: How to ensure the inspection is carried out correctly

1. **Book inspection in good time** — Contact the landlord well before moving out and book the final inspection.

2. **Attend the inspection** — Be present when the landlord inspects the flat. Make notes of any comments.

3. **Photograph the flat's condition** — Take pictures of the flat's condition before and after the inspection for documentation.

4. **Request inspection report** — Ask the landlord for a written report from the inspection.

5. **Check deductions** — Review each deduction from the deposit. Ask the landlord for justification for each item.

6. **Keep all documents** — Keep the rental contract, inspection report and all communications with the landlord.

7. **Dispute incorrect deductions** — If you disagree with the deductions, contact the landlord in writing and request reconsideration.

8. **Contact the Rent Tribunal if there is disagreement** — If the landlord refuses to discuss the deductions, you can appeal to the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden).

## Frequently asked questions

**Can the landlord make deductions from the deposit without carrying out an inspection?**
No. The landlord must carry out a final inspection to make justified deductions. Deductions without an inspection are illegal.

**What do I do if the landlord does not offer to carry out an inspection?**
Contact the landlord in writing and request that a final inspection be carried out. If the landlord refuses, you can contact the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) for help.

**Can I get the deposit back immediately after moving out?**
No. The landlord needs time to carry out the inspection and calculate any deductions. A reasonable time is usually a few weeks.

**What happens if the landlord makes incorrect deductions from the deposit?**
You can dispute the deductions in writing and demand that the deposit be returned. If the landlord does not back down, you can contact the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) or seek legal advice.

## Read more about deposits

More information about the deposit and the landlord's rights can be found in these articles:

- [What does it cost to get the deposit back?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/what-does-it-cost-to-get-your-deposit-back)
- [What can the landlord deduct from the deposit?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/rental-deposit-sweden-rules-amount-2026)
- Can the landlord require the deposit in cash?
- [Can you charge a higher deposit for furnished lettings?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/can-you-charge-a-higher-deposit-for-furnished-lettings)
- [The Rent-to-Own Act: What happens to the deposit if the purchase is cancelled?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/rent-to-own-agreements-what-happens-to-the-deposit-if-the-purchase-is)

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