| Scenario | What applies | Source |
|---|---|---|
| The contract says nothing about notice period | Reasonable time must be given | Private Rental Act (privatuthyrningslagen) (2026:772), section 4 |
| The contract says "notice period one month" | One month from notice or from the end of the month, according to what the contract says | The agreement between the parties |
| The contract says "immediate notice" | Notice takes effect immediately – but reasonable time must still be given if the contract is long-term | Private Rental Act (privatuthyrningslagen) (2026:772), section 4 |
| The tenant gives notice without giving notice period | The landlord can claim compensation for lost rent during reasonable time | The agreement and the Private Rental Act |
The Private Rental Act (privatuthyrningslagen) (2026:772) allows parties to agree freely on notice period – there is no statutory minimum time. From 1 July 2026, this new rule applies to private lettings. If nothing is agreed about notice period, the parties must give each other reasonable time to terminate the contract.
Notice period for tenants under the Private Rental Act from July 2026
The Private Rental Act (privatuthyrningslagen) (2026:772) gives parties complete freedom to agree on notice period. This means the landlord and tenant can together decide how long is required to terminate the contract. The law contains no mandatory minimum time – parties can agree on anything, from immediate notice to several months.
If the parties have not agreed on notice period, a different rule applies. Then both parties must give each other "reasonable time" to terminate the contract. What is reasonable depends on the circumstances of the individual case.
What does reasonable time mean in practice?
Reasonable time is not defined in the law, but is assessed case by case. In practice, reasonable time for private lettings usually varies depending on:
- How long the contract has run
- The tenant's situation
- The landlord's ability to find a new tenant
- Local market conditions
If the contract has run for a long time, reasonable time may be longer. If it is a short-term letting, reasonable time may be shorter.
Contract terms on notice period – how to do it right
The best approach is to write down the notice period in the rental contract from the start. Then you avoid later disputes about what is "reasonable". The Private Rental Act requires that the contract is in writing if either party requests it – and it is always wise to do so.
In the contract you can write:
- "Notice period is one month from the end of the month"
- "Notice period is two weeks from the day of notice"
- "Notice period is three months from the end of the month"
It is entirely up to you. Contract terms that are to the disadvantage of the tenant are void under section 4 of the Private Rental Act (privatuthyrningslagen) (2026:772), but a notice period of two to three months is normally not considered to be to the disadvantage.
Comparison: Different notice periods and what applies
How do you calculate the notice period?
The notice period is calculated from the day notice is sent or given. If the contract says "one month from the end of the month", the time starts from the first day of the next month.
Example: You give notice on 15 October and the notice period is one month from the end of the month. Then notice takes effect from 1 November.
If the notice period is "two weeks from notice", two weeks are counted from the day you send or give notice.
Checklist: How to handle notice period in private lettings
-
Write down the notice period in the contract from the start – use clear language and state whether the time is counted from the end of the month or from the day of notice.
-
Choose a notice period that is reasonable – two to three months is common for long-term lettings, two weeks for short-term lettings.
-
Document the notice in writing – send it by email or letter with delivery confirmation so you have proof.
-
Calculate the time correctly – note the day of notice and count forward according to the contract.
-
Inform the tenant when the contract ends – be clear about the end date so there is no misunderstanding.
-
Keep the contract and all correspondence – if there are disputes you need to be able to show what was agreed.
-
Contact the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) if you do not agree – if the parties cannot agree on what is reasonable time, the Rent Tribunal can assess the dispute.
Frequently asked questions
Can I give notice to the tenant without giving notice period?
No. Even if the contract says nothing about notice period, you must give reasonable time. The Private Rental Act (privatuthyrningslagen) (2026:772) requires this to protect the tenant. Reasonable time varies depending on the circumstances.
What happens if the tenant gives notice without giving notice period?
The landlord can claim compensation for lost rent during the time that would have been reasonable notice period. If the contract says that the notice period is one month, the landlord can claim one month's rent even if the tenant moves earlier.
Can we agree on zero days' notice period?
Yes, the parties can agree on anything. But if the contract is long-term and the tenant gives notice without warning, a court or the Rent Tribunal may decide that zero days is not reasonable anyway. For short-term lettings, zero days is more defensible.
Do the rules differ between the Private Rental Act and the Rent Act?
Yes. The Rent Act (hyreslagen) (which applies to tenant-owned flats (bostadsrätter) and other rental objects) has mandatory minimum times. The Private Rental Act (privatuthyrningslagen) (2026:772) gives parties freedom to agree. Read more about the difference at Bofrid: When does the Private Rental Act apply – and when does the Rent Act?
Related articles
- How long notice period do you have on your rental contract?
- New Private Rental Act (2026:772): this applies when you let out
- Can you terminate the rental contract without giving notice period?
- The Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden): how it works and your rights as a tenant
This text is general information and does not replace legal advice. In case of disputes, you are advised to contact the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) or a lawyer.
