Furnished Apartment Rental — What You Need to Know

Furnished Apartment Rental — A Quick Introduction

When searching for housing in Sweden, you'll often encounter two main options: furnished or unfurnished apartments. Renting a furnished apartment is particularly popular among students, expatriates, and people in transition. But what does it actually mean to rent a furnished apartment, and how does it differ from a traditional rental?

A furnished apartment comes pre-equipped with furniture, often including a kitchen, bedding, and sometimes kitchen appliances. It sounds convenient — and it can be — but there are legal, financial, and practical aspects you need to understand before signing the lease.

What's Included in a Furnished Apartment?

There is no strict legal definition of what must be included in a furnished apartment under Swedish law. This means the contents can vary significantly between landlords.

Typically included:

• Bedroom: bed, nightstand, wardrobe
• Living room: sofa, table, possibly TV furniture
• Kitchen: cabinets, stove, refrigerator, often dishwasher
• Bathroom: toilet, shower/bathtub, sink
• Other: curtains, lamps, possibly washing machine

But details vary. Some furnished apartments are nearly fully equipped home offices, while others have only the bare essentials. Before renting a furnished apartment, always request a detailed inventory and take photos of the furnishing standard.

Price and Cost of Furnished Apartment Rental

A furnished apartment is almost always more expensive than an equivalent unfurnished one. The price difference typically ranges from 15–30 percent, sometimes more in larger cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg.

Why Does Furnished Apartment Rental Cost More?

• Furnishing service: the landlord has invested in furniture and equipment
• Shorter rental periods: furnished apartments are often rented for 3–12 months, which is less stable for the landlord
• Higher wear and tear: furniture deteriorates faster with changing tenants
• Flexibility: furnished apartments offer greater flexibility, which is priced into the market

These costs are reflected in the rent. If an unfurnished two-bedroom costs 8,000 kronor, the same apartment furnished might cost 9,500–10,500 kronor.

Tenant Protection and Legal Rights

An important question many ask: do you have the same rights when renting a furnished apartment as an unfurnished one?

The answer is: partly yes, but it's more complicated. Under Swedish law, many tenant rights apply to furnished apartments, but furnished housing is often classified as a short-term rental or temporary furnished lease. This means:

• You have the right to a written lease
• You are protected against arbitrary termination
• The landlord cannot raise rent during the lease period
• You have the right to reasonable notice (usually 1–3 months)

But there are also limitations:

• Many furnished leases are time-limited from the start (e.g., 6 months), giving the landlord greater freedom to terminate when the period ends
• Tenant organizations recommend always reading the lease carefully, especially clauses about furnishing standards and damage liability

Practical Tips Before Renting a Furnished Apartment

Viewing Checklist

1. Check furnishing standard: are the furniture pieces clean, intact, and functional?
2. Test all equipment: stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machine
3. Measure rooms: ensure furniture fits your needs
4. Ask about furnishing allowance: can you negotiate if something is worn?
5. Photograph everything: document furniture condition before moving in
6. Read the lease: especially clauses about furniture damage and liability
7. Ask about notice period: how long is the notice if you want to move earlier?

Questions to Ask the Landlord

• What is included in the furnishing and what is not?
• Which furniture is new and which is secondhand?
• What happens if a piece of furniture breaks — who pays?
• Can you remove or replace furniture?
• Is the furnishing insured or is it the tenant's responsibility?

Furnished vs. Unfurnished Apartment — Which Should You Choose?

Choose furnished if:

• You need housing for a short time (under 1 year)
• You don't want to invest in furniture
• You're new to Sweden and want to test a city before buying furniture
• You're a student or working temporarily

Choose unfurnished if:

• You plan to stay longer than 1–2 years
• You want control over the furnishing standard
• You want to save money long-term
• You already have furniture or want to buy your own

Common Questions About Furnished Apartment Rental

Can the Landlord Raise Rent on a Furnished Apartment?

No, not during the lease period. But when the lease ends, the landlord can terminate it and offer a new rate. If it's a time-limited furnished lease (e.g., 6 months), the landlord can choose not to renew.

What If I Damage the Furniture?

It depends on the lease. Normally you're responsible for normal wear and tear, but not major damage. Read the lease carefully — some landlords require furniture insurance or a deposit for furniture damage.

Can I Add My Own Furniture to a Furnished Apartment?

It depends on the lease. Many landlords allow you to add your own furniture, but not to remove or replace existing pieces without permission.

Is Furnished Apartment Rental Worth the Money?

It depends on your situation. For short-term housing (under 1 year), it can be worth it for convenience. For longer periods, it's often cheaper to rent unfurnished and buy your own furniture.

What's the Notice Period for a Furnished Apartment?

Typically 1–3 months, but it varies. Read your lease carefully. Time-limited furnished leases can be terminated when the lease period ends without special notice.