# Pets in Rental Housing: Rules and What You Need to Know *Per Larsson* *25 juni 2026* > Keeping pets in rental housing is possible, but it requires understanding the rules and negotiating with your landlord. This guide walks you through securing approval for your pet. Keeping pets in rental housing is possible, but it requires understanding the rules and negotiating with your landlord. This guide walks you through the steps from reading your lease to securing approval for your cat or dog. ## Your path to keeping pets in rental housing Many renters wonder if it's possible to have pets in their rented apartment. The answer is often yes – but with conditions. While there's no Swedish law that outright forbids pets, landlords can impose restrictions in the contract. We guide you through the process step by step. ### Step 1: Check your lease carefully The first step when you want pets in rental housing is to examine what your contract says. Many leases include a pets clause that either forbids animals entirely, allows certain pets, or requires landlord approval. Look for words like "husdjur," "djur," "katt," "hund," or "sällskapsdjur." Also read sections about tenant obligations and responsibilities for any damage. ### Step 2: Know your legal rights Swedish tenancy law, Jordabalken, states that a tenant needs landlord consent to keep pets. This means you can't simply decide on your own – you must ask first. However, there's no absolute prohibition, meaning landlords can't refuse arbitrarily. Any refusal must be based on reasonable grounds, such as allergies among other tenants, previous damage caused by animals, or apartment limitations. ### Step 3: Gather information about your pet Before contacting your landlord, collect all relevant information. For a dog in a rental contract, document breed, size, age, and temperament. For a cat, gather similar details about personality, age, and health status. Can you show that your pet is well-trained, vaccinated, and insured? This increases your approval chances significantly. Bring veterinary documents, vaccination certificates, and references from previous landlords if available. ### Step 4: Write a formal request to your landlord Contact your landlord in writing – an email or letter works well. Explain your wishes clearly and why you believe it will work out. Be honest, professional, and positive. Mention your pet's characteristics, that you take full responsibility for any damage, and how you'll handle problems. A strong application increases your chances considerably. Also offer to let the landlord inspect the apartment to verify you're a responsible tenant. ### Step 5: Negotiate and propose solutions If your landlord hesitates, offer practical solutions. You can: - Offer a higher deposit to cover potential pet damage - Propose regular inspections throughout the year - Draft a written supplementary agreement - Get pet liability insurance These measures show you take responsibility seriously and can convince a skeptical landlord to approve your request. ### Step 6: Understand deposits and pet fees Many landlords increase the deposit or charge a monthly "pet fee" if they allow pets. This is legal as long as it's reasonable and documented. A typical increase is 10-15% of monthly rent. Before accepting, ask: - Is it a one-time increase or recurring fee? - How much can the deposit increase? - Is this documented in a written agreement? Get everything in writing to avoid future misunderstandings about pet-related terms and financial conditions. ### Step 7: Establish responsibility for damage and maintenance You're responsible for all damage your pet causes – scratches on floors, holes in walls, damaged wallpaper, or odors. Make sure to: - Clean the apartment regularly - Repair or replace any damage immediately - Follow all contract terms carefully A good pet liability insurance (included in many home insurance policies) protects both you and your landlord from unexpected costs. ### Step 8: Get written approval If the landlord agrees, request written confirmation as a contract supplement. It should include: - Which pet(s) are allowed - Any restrictions (one cat, maximum 20 kg dog, etc.) - Extra deposit or fees and when it's returned - Expectations for maintenance, responsibility, and inspections A written agreement protects both parties and prevents future disputes. ## Summary Keeping pets in rental housing is entirely possible if you follow the right process. Start by reviewing your contract carefully, understand your legal rights, and contact your landlord with a well-thought-out and positive plan. Be prepared to negotiate, demonstrate responsibility, and get everything in writing. With these eight steps, you can often secure approval for your pet. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can a landlord refuse pets outright? A landlord can't refuse arbitrarily – according to Swedish tenancy law, any refusal must be based on reasonable grounds like allergies, previous damage, or apartment limitations. However, a well-justified refusal is entirely legal. If you believe the refusal is unjust, contact tenant organizations for advice and possible legal support. ### What is a normal cost for pets in a rental apartment? It varies considerably. An extra deposit of 10-15% of monthly rent is typical. Some landlords charge a monthly fee instead (100-300 SEK). Many charge nothing if the pet is well-behaved and the apartment is in good condition. The important thing is that everything is in writing to prevent misunderstandings. ### What should I do if my landlord says no? If an unjustified refusal occurs, contact tenant organizations for legal advice and support. You might also consider finding a different apartment that already allows pets – many landlords are more open to this. Sometimes switching apartments is easier than changing a landlord's mind.