Measures for safer residential areas

In order to create safer residential areas throughout the country, the Government has proposed that property owners should be given greater scope to terminate rental contracts for tenants who commit crimes.

It should be possible to terminate a rental contract if the tenant has committed a crime that typically would impair the immediate environment for those who live in the area where the flat is located. The responsibility the tenant has for children and other people who are living or staying in the flat should also apply in order to ensure that these people do not commit crimes that can create insecurity for others living in the neighbourhood. Furthermore, it should also be possible to terminate a rental contract in more cases if the flat is being used to commit crimes, namely for serious or more extensive criminality. In addition to this, the obligation on the part of the tenant to maintain security in the building will be clarified and strengthened. 

In order to combat the abuse of regulations concerning lodgers, a tenant’s right to house people who are not otherwise resident in their flat should be tightened. Landlords should also be given improved opportunities to monitor how a flat is being used.

The proposals also include improved conditions to enable a tenant who has been subjected to violence by someone with whom they have a close relationship to keep their flat in the case of termination of a rental contract. In addition to this, the possibilities for a co-tenant or spouse living with the tenant or cohabitant who has been subjected to violence by someone with whom they have a close relationship to take over a rental contract will be strengthened.  

The Riksdag voted in favour of the proposals, and the amendments will come into force on 1 July 2024.