# Renting an Apartment with Pets in Gothenburg: Rules and Tips *4 juni 2026* > Renting an apartment with pets in Gothenburg might seem challenging, but with the right knowledge, it's entirely possible. Read our tips and rules to succeed. Renting an apartment with pets in Gothenburg is a dream for many pet owners, but it can also be a source of concern. Many wonder about the rules, what applies to subletting, and how best to present themselves and their pet to a potential landlord. This guide is designed to provide pet owners in Gothenburg with the information needed to navigate the rental market and increase their chances of finding a home where both they and their pet can thrive. ## Understanding the Rules for Pets in Rental Apartments One of the most common questions is whether there are general prohibitions against pets in rental apartments. The answer is no, there is no general ban in Sweden. A tenant essentially has the right to keep pets, but there are important exceptions and conditions that must be considered. Landlords can introduce terms in the rental agreement that restrict or prohibit pets, but these terms must be reasonable. What is considered reasonable can vary depending on the situation, but it often involves ensuring the pet does not cause undue nuisance to neighbors or damage to the apartment. ### What Does the Law Say About Pets in Rental Properties? The Tenancy Act (Chapter 12 of the Swedish Land Code) governs rental relationships in Sweden. While the law does not explicitly prohibit pets, there are provisions that can give the landlord the right to deny or require the removal of a pet. This applies if the pet causes disturbances, such as excessive barking that affects the neighbors' living environment, or if the pet causes damage to the apartment, like scratches on floors or walls. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your pet is well-behaved and does not cause problems. ### Landlord's Rights and Responsibilities A landlord has the right to protect their property and their other tenants. If a landlord has introduced a ban on pets in the rental agreement, and this ban is deemed reasonable, the tenant must comply. A reasonable ban could, for example, be against pets that cause allergies if there are other tenants with severe allergies in the building. However, it is important to remember that a landlord cannot arbitrarily introduce bans. The Rent Tribunal can review whether a term in a rental agreement is unreasonable. ## Finding a Home with a Dog or Cat in Gothenburg When actively searching for a home where pets are welcome, there are several strategies you can use. Looking for specific listings that allow pets is a good start, but it's also important to be proactive and communicate openly with potential landlords. ### Strategies for Finding Pet-Friendly Homes **1. Search Specifically:** Use search filters on rental portals that allow pets. Many portals have options to specify this. **2. Be Open with Your Landlord:** From the very first contact, mention that you have a pet. Be honest about the type of animal, its size, age, and temperament. Open communication builds trust. **3. Prepare a Pet Introduction:** If possible, have a picture of your pet or be ready to talk about its good qualities. A well-articulated description can convince a hesitant landlord. **4. Check Subletting:** If you are looking at a sublet apartment, always check what the primary tenant and/or the property owner says about pets. The rules can differ. **5. Consider a Cat or Small Dog:** Some landlords may be more willing to accept smaller pets or cats than larger dogs, especially if there's a risk of damage or allergies. ### Housing with a Dog in Gothenburg: Special Considerations Finding housing with a dog in Gothenburg may require a little extra effort. Dogs can potentially cause more wear and tear or disturbances than, for example, a cat. Consider the following: * **Training Level:** A well-trained dog that doesn't bark unnecessarily and is house-trained is a significant advantage. * **Space:** Ensure the apartment has enough space for the dog, especially if it's a larger breed. * **Proximity to Green Areas:** Gothenburg has many beautiful parks and natural areas. Living near these can be an advantage for both you and your dog. ## Considerations When Keeping Pets in a Rental Apartment Once you've found your dream apartment and received approval for your pet, it is your responsibility as a tenant to ensure everything runs smoothly. This means preventing problems before they arise and acting responsibly. ### Preventing Damage and Disturbances * **Training and Stimulation:** Ensure your pet gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. A bored dog can easily start chewing on furniture or barking, which can lead to problems. * **Hygiene:** Keep the apartment clean and fresh. Regular grooming and cleaning of litter boxes reduce odor and hair. * **Allergies:** If you know someone in the building is allergic, be extra careful to keep common areas clean of hair and dirt. * **Noise Level:** Train your dog not to bark constantly, especially when you are not home. There are courses and methods to manage separation anxiety and excessive barking. ### What Happens if Damage Occurs? If your pet, despite your best efforts, causes damage to the apartment, you as the tenant are responsible for rectifying the damage. This may involve paying for repairs, or the landlord may have the right to claim compensation from you. A good home insurance policy that covers potential damage caused by your pet can be a wise investment. Check the terms of your insurance. ## Frequently Asked Questions About Renting an Apartment with Pets ### ### Can I be denied a rental if I have pets? Yes, a landlord can deny you a rental if they have a reasonable cause, for example, if there is a specific prohibition in the rental agreement that is reasonable (e.g., against allergenic pets in a building with many allergy sufferers) or if your pet has previously caused problems. However, they cannot deny you solely based on having a pet if there are no specific justifying reasons. ### ### What is "undue nuisance"? Undue nuisance is a disturbance that is so serious that it negatively affects the neighbors' living environment or causes damage to the property. Examples include constant barking, aggressive behavior towards neighbors, or extensive damage to the apartment caused by the animal. ### ### Am I allowed to have more than one pet? There is no general rule about how many pets you can have. It depends on the landlord's policy and what is considered reasonable. If you have many pets, it can more easily be considered to cause nuisance to neighbors or damage to the property, which can give the landlord grounds to deny or require a reduction in the number of pets. ### ### What should I do if my landlord prohibits pets but I already have one? If you already have a pet and are moving into an apartment with a prohibition, you should have discussed this with the landlord before signing the agreement. If the prohibition was introduced after you moved in, and it wasn't there from the start, it might be an unreasonable term. Contact the Tenants' Association for advice. If, however, your pet is causing problems, the landlord may have the right to demand that the pet be removed. ### ### How can I increase my chances of finding an apartment with a dog in Gothenburg? Be open and honest with the landlord. Present your dog as well-behaved and show that you take responsibility. Research areas in Gothenburg that have good access to green spaces and walking paths. Being a responsible dog owner who takes care of their dog's training and well-being is the best way to convince a potential landlord. Looking for apartments where other pet owners already live can also be a good strategy.