| Scenario | What applies | Landlord's responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Mould from leaking roof or wall | Landlord must repair | Yes, this is a building defect |
| Mould from poor ventilation | Landlord must address ventilation | Yes, the flat must be suitable for living |
| Mould from tenant's moisture (poor drying) | Tenant may be partly responsible | Shared responsibility depending on cause |
| Mould because tenant does not air the flat | Tenant may be responsible | No, if it is the tenant's negligence |
| Mould that occurs despite landlord's efforts | Landlord has done their part | No, if the landlord has tried to solve it |
Mould damage: your landlord must repair
As a tenant in a rental flat (hyresrätt), you have the right to live in a flat free from mould damage. Your landlord is legally required to repair mould damage and ensure the flat is suitable for living in. Under Chapter 12, sections 9 and 15 of the Land Code (jordabalken), the flat must be in such a condition on the date you move in that it is, according to common standards in the area, fully usable for its intended purpose, and the landlord must maintain the flat in this condition throughout the tenancy.
What does the law say about mould damage?
Your landlord is responsible for ensuring the flat is suitable for its purpose. Mould is a serious defect that makes the flat unhealthy, and therefore your landlord must address the problem. If your landlord does not repair mould damage, you as a tenant have several options to protect your rights.
Mould damage is not something a tenant normally causes through ordinary use. If mould damage occurs, it is usually due to moisture, poor ventilation or leaks – problems for which the landlord is responsible.
Mould damage and your landlord: your rights
You have several options if your landlord refuses to repair mould damage:
Written notice: Notify your landlord in writing of the mould damage with photographs. Give your landlord a reasonable time to address the problem.
Rent reduction: If your landlord does not repair within a reasonable time, you can demand a rent reduction for the period when the flat was damaged. The reduction should correspond to the loss in value caused by the mould damage.
Self-help remedy: In some cases you can carry out the repair yourself and deduct the costs from your rent, but this requires that you first give your landlord written notice and a reasonable deadline.
The Rent Tribunal: If your landlord does not cooperate, you can report the dispute to the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden), which can force your landlord to repair or determine the rent reduction.
Step by step: what you should do
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Document the damage: Take photographs and videos of the mould damage from several angles. Note the date and which rooms are affected.
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Send written notice: Email or send a letter to your landlord describing the mould damage, including photographs and a request for repair.
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Keep all communication: Retain copies of all emails, letters and replies from your landlord.
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Wait for a response: Give your landlord reasonable time to respond and plan the repair.
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Escalate if refused: If your landlord does not respond or refuses, send a reminder with a warning about rent reduction or reporting to the Rent Tribunal.
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Contact the Rent Tribunal: If the mould damage is not addressed, you can report the dispute to obtain a binding decision.
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Seek legal advice: In serious cases, you can contact a housing law solicitor or a tenant association for guidance.
Mould damage and your landlord: common scenarios
Rent reduction for mould damage
If mould damage makes the flat less suitable for living in, you can demand a rent reduction. The reduction should correspond to the loss in value during the period when the mould damage existed.
The Rent Tribunal assesses the rent reduction based on:
- The extent of the mould damage
- How long the mould damage was present
- How much the mould damage affected your living conditions
- Whether the landlord attempted to address the problem
The size of the rent reduction varies and is assessed on a case-by-case basis depending on how seriously the usable value has deteriorated.
What can your landlord do?
If you are a landlord and receive notice of mould damage, you should:
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Respond quickly: Reply to the notice within a few days and confirm that you have received it.
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Inspect the flat: Visit the flat to assess the mould damage yourself.
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Identify the cause: Investigate whether the mould damage is due to building defects, moisture or the tenant's use.
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Plan the repair: If the mould damage is your responsibility, plan the repair immediately and inform the tenant of the timeline.
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Document actions: Keep receipts and documentation of all repairs you carry out.
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Prevent future problems: Address the underlying cause of the mould damage to prevent it from recurring.
Frequently asked questions
Can my landlord charge me for mould repair? No, if the mould damage is due to building defects or poor ventilation, it is the landlord's responsibility. You can only be held responsible if you caused the mould damage through negligence.
How long does the landlord have to repair mould damage? The landlord should repair mould damage within a reasonable time depending on the severity. Serious mould damage that affects health should be addressed immediately.
Can I break my tenancy agreement because of mould damage? In extreme cases where mould damage makes the flat completely uninhabitable, you may be able to terminate the agreement, but this requires legal assessment. Contact the Rent Tribunal or a solicitor for advice.
What do I do if my landlord does not respond to my notice of mould damage? Send a reminder by email or letter. Document that you have tried to contact your landlord. If your landlord still does not respond, you can report the dispute to the Rent Tribunal.
Related articles
Read more about your rights as a tenant:
- Must the landlord repair rusty pipes in the wall?
- The Rent Tribunal: how it works and your rights as a tenant
- What can the landlord deduct from the deposit?
- Can the landlord enter your flat without asking?
This text is general information and does not replace legal advice.
