Subletting a house or townhouse — Complete guide

How fair rent is calculated for houses

Fair rent for a house or townhouse is traditionally calculated based on capital cost and actual operating costs. Unlike co-op apartments, where the association fee covers most operating costs, the homeowner is responsible for all running costs. Since 1 July 2026, the Rent Tribunal assesses fair rent primarily by comparison with the rent for similar private rentals — the cost-based calculation below serves as a guiding starting point.

Capital cost

The capital cost is calculated the same way as for co-op apartments: the property's market value multiplied by the Riksbank reference rate plus a reasonable surcharge of 2 percentage points, divided by 12 months.

Operating costs

As a homeowner, you have a range of running operating costs that can be included in the rent calculation. Costs are typically stated per year and divided by 12 to give a monthly cost. Typical operating costs include:

• Property tax — the municipal property tax
• Insurance — home or property insurance
• Heating — electricity, district heating, wood or pellets
• Water and sewage — municipal water and sewage fee
• Waste management — waste collection and sanitation
• Maintenance — ongoing property maintenance

Furnishing surcharge

Just like for apartments, you may add up to 15% of the base rent (capital cost plus operating cost) if you rent out furnished. Considering that houses often have more furniture and furnishings, this surcharge can be substantial.

Tax when renting out a house

The tax on house rentals differs from apartment rentals. You still have the standard deduction of 40,000 SEK per property per tax year, but instead of deducting your own costs, you receive an extra deduction of 20% of the gross rental income.

Permission is not always required

Unlike co-op and rental apartments, as a homeowner you typically do not need permission to rent out. You own the property and have free right of disposal. However, there may be restrictions in zoning plans or other regulations that could affect the rental.

Notice periods

The Private Letting Act (privatuthyrningslagen, 2026:772) also applies to letting a house or townhouse you own yourself. Since 1 July 2026 the notice period is three months for both parties, counted to the next turn of the month (Chapter 6, §§ 1–2) — previously it was one month for the tenant. Terms that are to the tenant's disadvantage compared with the act are void (Chapter 1, § 4). A fixed-term agreement ends on the agreed date without notice, but the tenant may always terminate it early on three months' notice. Notice must be given in writing (Chapter 6, § 7). Note that the housing type alone does not decide which act applies: if you regularly let more than two homes, or let for holiday purposes, the Rent Act (Chapter 12 of the Land Code) applies instead, even to a house (Chapter 1, § 3 of the Private Letting Act). The tenant may then also acquire security of tenure if the letting lasts longer than two consecutive years.