Renovation Evictions
What does it mean?
Renovation eviction (renovräkning) describes the situation when tenants are forced to move due to steep rent increases following renovation of their homes. The phenomenon is particularly widespread in million-programme areas, where property owners carry out total renovations resulting in rent increases of 40–60% or more. For low-income households, the new rent becomes unaffordable, and they are forced to leave their homes — sometimes after decades of residence.
The issue has become increasingly politically charged. The Tenant Association has campaigned against renovation evictions and demanded legislation limiting rent increases after renovation. Property owners counter that renovations are necessary to maintain housing standards and that costs must be covered. The Rent Tribunal has reviewed the reasonableness of post-renovation rent increases in several cases, but there is still no clear legislation specifically protecting against renovation evictions.
Key Points
- Tenants forced to move when rent increases steeply after renovation
- Most common in million-programme areas with total renovations
- Rent increases of 40–60% or more after pipe replacement and standard upgrades
- Primarily affects low-income and foreign-born households
- No specific law protects against renovation evictions — the Rent Tribunal reviews reasonableness
Practical Tip
If your landlord plans renovation, join the Tenant Association (Hyresgästföreningen) immediately. Demand to see cost calculations and rent increase proposals. You can influence the scope of renovation by participating in consultations. If the increase seems unreasonable, contact the Rent Tribunal for review.
Based on content from Bofrid's Knowledge Bank