| Flat | Furnished price | Unfurnished price | Difference | Furniture owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-bedroom, Västra hamnen | 13,000 kr | 10,500 kr | +24 % | Landlord |
| Two-bedroom, City centre | 12,500 kr | 10,000 kr | +25 % | Landlord |
| One-bedroom, Rosengård | 9,500 kr | 7,500 kr | +27 % | Landlord |
| Two-bedroom, Lindängen | 11,000 kr | 8,500 kr | +29 % | Landlord |
A furnished flat in Malmö costs between 8,500 and 15,000 kronor per month depending on size, location and standard. The price is determined by the market, not by law — the landlord and tenant agree on the rent according to chapter 2, section 1 of the Private Tenancies Act (privatuthyrningslagen) (2026:772). Furnishing increases the rent compared with an unfurnished equivalent, because the landlord bears the cost of furniture and wear and tear.
What affects the price of a furnished flat in Malmö?
Three factors control the price: location, size and furnishing standard.
Location is decisive. A furnished one-bedroom flat in Västra hamnen or Gamla västan costs 12,000–15,000 kronor. The same flat in Rosengård or Lindängen costs 8,500–10,500 kronor. Proximity to the city centre, public transport and workplaces drives the price up.
Size follows a simple pattern. A furnished one-bedroom flat costs 9,000–12,000 kronor. A two-bedroom costs 11,000–14,000 kronor. A three-bedroom costs 13,000–16,000 kronor. The price per square metre falls as the flat grows larger.
Furnishing standard varies. Budget furnishing (bed, table, chairs, cupboards) costs less than premium furnishing (designer furniture, kitchen with appliances, washing machine). A fully equipped flat with all appliances and furniture costs more than the same flat with basic furniture only.
Furnished flat in Malmö: rental agreements and rules
The landlord and tenant must write a rental agreement. According to section 5 of the Private Tenancies Act, the agreement must be drawn up in writing if either party requests it. The agreement must contain:
- Rent amount and payment date
- Furnishing standard and inventory list
- Rental period (fixed term or indefinite)
- Deposit (maximum two months' rent)
- Who pays for electricity, heating, water and internet
The tenant may not alter the furnishing without the landlord's permission. Furniture is the landlord's property. If the tenant damages furniture or the flat, the damage must be repaired before the tenancy ends.
Comparison: furnished versus unfurnished flat
What is included in the furnishing?
Standard furnishing contains:
- Bed with mattress and bedding
- Sofa or seating furniture
- Dining table and chairs
- Kitchen cupboards and sink
- Wardrobe or clothes cupboard
- Lamps and curtains
- Washing machine (often)
Premium furnishing adds:
- Appliances (refrigerator, cooker, dishwasher)
- Microwave
- Air conditioning
- Smart furniture and designer furniture
- Blackout curtains
- Home cinema furniture
The tenant should photograph the furnishing on moving in and document any damage. This protects against incorrect deductions from the deposit.
Checklist: how to rent a furnished flat in Malmö
- Set your budget. Budget for 8,500–15,000 kronor per month plus any running costs.
- Choose a location. Västra hamnen and the city centre are most expensive. Rosengård and Lindängen are cheaper.
- Read the advertisement carefully. Check what is included in the furnishing and what is not.
- Request a written rental agreement. According to section 5 of the Private Tenancies Act, the agreement must be drawn up in writing.
- Check the inventory list. All furniture and appliances must be listed before you move in.
- Photograph the flat's condition. Take pictures of all rooms, furniture and any damage.
- Pay the deposit. It may be no more than two months' rent according to the Private Tenancies Act.
- Move in and inspect. Check that everything matches the inventory list.
- Keep all receipts. You will need them if you need to repair anything.
- When moving out, photograph again. Document the flat's condition to get the deposit back.
Deposit on a furnished flat
The landlord may take out no more than two months' rent as a deposit.
The deposit must be repaid when the tenant moves out — minus any damage or unpaid rent. The landlord must be able to show what deductions were made and why. According to chapter 12, section 24 of the Land Code (jordabalken), the tenant has a duty of care: the flat and furnishing must be looked after properly.
If the landlord does not repay the deposit within a reasonable time, the tenant can appeal to the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden).
Frequently asked questions
Can a landlord raise the rent on a furnished flat more often than on an unfurnished one? No. Rent increases are regulated by the agreement. The Private Tenancies Act says that the rent must be fixed in amount, but the parties may agree on increases. It makes no difference whether the flat is furnished or not.
Who pays for repair of furniture? The tenant pays for damage caused by negligence or misuse. The landlord pays for normal wear and tear. A scratch on a chair from everyday use is normal wear and tear. A broken chair leg from the tenant sitting down hard is misuse.
Can I refurnish the flat myself? No, not without the landlord's permission. The furnishing is the landlord's property. You may not remove furniture, sell it or replace it with your own. You may use your own cushions, blankets and decoration, but you may not alter the furnishing.
What happens if a piece of furniture breaks during my tenancy? It depends on the cause. If a lamp breaks because you accidentally hit it, it is your responsibility. If it breaks because it was already damaged when you moved in, it is the landlord's responsibility. That is why photographing on moving in is so important.
Related articles
Read more about living in Malmö and the rental market:
- Housing and cost of living in Malmö: A complete guide for 2026
- Can you take a higher deposit for furnished letting?
- What does it cost to break a rental contract?
- Subletting in Sweden
This text is general information about the rental market in Malmö and is not legal advice.
