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Rental scams in Sweden: warning signs

When you look for a flat from abroad, it is harder to check a listing in person. These warning signs can help you pause before you pay.

Hemvia provides general informational planning support. It is not legal, immigration, tax, financial or medical advice. Always verify requirements with the relevant official authority.

Warning signs to look out for

  1. 1.Were you asked to pay a deposit or first rent before you have seen the flat?
  2. 2.Does the landlord say they are abroad and can only send the keys by post?
  3. 3.Is the rent far below comparable flats in the same area?
  4. 4.Are you being asked to pay via a money-transfer service, gift cards or crypto instead of a traceable bank payment?
  5. 5.Is someone pressuring you to decide or pay today because "many others are interested"?
  6. 6.Does the person avoid a viewing, a video call or meeting in person?
  7. 7.Were you asked to send a copy of your passport or ID before any viewing or contract?
  8. 8.Do the photos appear in other ads with a different address or name?
  9. 9.Is it unclear who actually owns or rents the flat, or can the person not show it?
  10. 10.Does the person want to move the conversation off the ad platform straight away?

If you answer yes to one or more questions, take extra care before you pay or share documents. Answering no to every question does not mean an offer is safe. If you suspect fraud, you can report it to the Police (Polisen).

Housing queues: why registering early can help

  • Many Swedish cities have a municipal housing queue (bostadskö) for rental flats. In many of them, your waiting time counts from the day you register.
  • Registering early can help, since queue time builds up while you wait. Some queues allow registration before you move — check the queue's own rules.
  • Queues often ask you to keep your registration active, for example by logging in or renewing regularly. Missing this can mean losing your place — read the queue's terms.
  • Besides the municipal queue, many private landlords and housing companies run their own queues or list flats on their websites.
  • Some queues charge a fee and some are free. Check the terms on the queue's website before you sign up.
  • While you wait, a sublet (andrahandskontrakt) is a common interim option for many newcomers. It is worth confirming the sublet is permitted.
  • Keep your contact details up to date in each queue so that offers reach you.

Where people search

Hemvia has no business relationship with the sites listed here and receives nothing for these links. The list is not complete and is not a recommendation.

  • Bostadsförmedlingen i Stockholm

    The municipal housing queue for rental flats in the Stockholm area.

    Open

  • Boplats Göteborg

    The housing queue and rental listings for the Gothenburg region.

    Open

  • Boplats Syd

    The housing queue and rental listings for Malmö and parts of Skåne.

    Open

  • Blocket Bostad

    A classifieds site with rental listings, including sublets. Terms and any fees are set by the site.

    Open

  • Qasa

    A rental platform where private landlords and tenants connect. Terms and any fees are set by the platform.

    Open

  • Samtrygg

    A rental platform focused on private rentals and sublets. Terms and any fees are set by the platform.

    Open

  • Hemnet

    A listings site for homes for sale — relevant if you consider buying rather than renting.

    Open

Plan your whole move step by step — with links to the official Swedish sources.