Rent an apartment step by step: guide for anyone looking for a home in Solna

Renting your first apartment can feel overwhelming. Queues, applications, contracts and inspections — a lot needs to line up before you get the key in your hand. In this guide we walk through the whole process, step by step, so you know what happens and what to think about at every stage on the way.

Step 1: Register in the housing queue

Most municipal and many private landlords in Solna let out their vacant apartments via a housing queue. You register in the queue and then accumulate queue time, which counts from the day you join. The longer you stand in line, the greater the chance that you will be offered an apartment when it is your turn.

According to Boverket, there is a housing shortage in many Swedish municipalities, which means queue times can be long. It therefore pays to join the housing queue as early as possible, even if you do not plan to move right now.

Read more about how the municipal housing queue in Solna works in our guide Bostadskö i Solna: Så fungerar den kommunala kön.

Step 2: Review your finances before you search

Before you start looking for an apartment, it is important to know what you can afford. The rent must be payable together with your other expenses, and many landlords want to see that you have an income that covers the rent with a margin.

Remember that the rent is not the only cost. You may also need to pay for electricity, home insurance, a possible parking space and other additions stated in the lease. Set up a realistic budget before you accept a viewing, so you avoid surprises later.

Step 3: Search among vacant apartments in Solna

When you are in the housing queue and have your finances under control, you can start looking for vacant apartments. Some apartments are advertised openly on the landlords' websites, while others are let internally to those who are already in the queue.

Use the search filters to find apartments that suit you — number of rooms, size, rent and area in Solna. Solna has several different districts, from more central locations to quieter residential areas, so think about what suits you and your everyday life best.

Step 4: Submit a good rental application

When you find an apartment you are interested in, you submit a rental application to the landlord. A good application contains information about you, your employment or studies, your income and possible references.

Be honest and clear in your application. The landlord uses it to assess whether you are a suitable tenant, and a well-written application can make a difference when many people apply for the same apartment.

Read more in our guide Hur man skriver en bra bostadsansökan Solna: Din guide.

Step 5: Inspection and viewing

If the landlord is interested in you as a tenant, you are usually invited to a viewing. Then you get to see the apartment for real and can check that everything works as it should.

Look carefully at the kitchen, bathroom, windows and any appliances. Ask if something is unclear, and note any defects so you can raise them later if you are offered the apartment.

Step 6: Signing the lease

When you are offered an apartment, you must sign a lease with the landlord. The agreement must at least contain the rent, the rental period, the notice period and what is included in the rent.

According to the Swedish Land Code (Jordabalken), you as a tenant have strong protection, for example through security of tenure, which means that the landlord cannot terminate your tenancy without acceptable grounds. Read the agreement carefully before you sign, and make sure everything you have agreed on is written into the contract.

Step 7: Moving in and final inspection

Before you move in, you should carry out a move-in inspection together with the landlord. You go through the apartment and document its condition, so that it is clear what was already broken or worn before you moved in.

Keep the inspection report in a safe place. It may be important if a dispute later arises about damage to the apartment when you eventually move out.

Frequently asked questions about renting an apartment in Solna

How long is the queue time?

Queue times vary between different landlords and areas. Some have short queues, others may have several years of waiting time. The best is to join the housing queue as early as possible.

Do I have to be a member of Hyresgästföreningen?

No, it is voluntary. But as a member you can get tenancy law help and advice if you have questions about your lease or experience problems with your landlord.

What happens if I cannot pay the rent?

Contact the landlord as soon as possible if you have problems paying the rent. Hyresgästföreningen can also give you advice about your rights and obligations as a tenant.

Can the landlord terminate me without reason?

No. According to the Swedish Land Code, acceptable grounds are required for a landlord to terminate a tenancy, and you as a rule have the right to remain in the apartment through security of tenure.