Finding housing on the private market

When searching for housing on the private rental market it is important to be cautious of potential fraud. We recommend that you only pay in advance if you are using a real estate agency or after both signing a written lease agreement and having visited the apartment. There are a few warning signs to watch out for:

• The landlord is abroad and cannot show the accommodation in person. Scammers often claim that they are in a different country and request deposits in advance. Anyone that actually rents an accommodation in Sweden is usually able to also show the apartment. 
• The landlord only has a foreign bank account or wants you to pay to another person in a different country. Scammers often require large deposits and advance payments to be made through western union or a foreign bank account. Anyone that actually rents an accommodation in Sweden usually has a Swedish bank account. 
• The landlord does not give you their full name and personal details such as Swedish personal identity number.
• The landlord is pushing you to pay quickly in order to secure the deal.

To reduce the risk of getting scammed, it is important to do a thorough background check before signing a lease and paying the first rent. 

• Request identification of the landlord and ask for full name, address and Swedish personal identity number. Search online to check if these details are correct on websites such as www.eniro.se or www.hitta.se – write the landlord’s name in the search field to make sure that the personal details correspond.
• Look up the apartment address online to make sure it exists.
• Ask for a copy of permission letter allowing the landlord to rent the apartment. This letter must include contact details of the property owner. Contact the property owner to confirm the permission (no permission is needed to rent out a room if the landlord is also staying in the apartment).
• Visit the apartment in person – if you cannot, ask for a real-time video viewing!

NOTE! Scams must be immediately reported to the police!

The Stockholm Housing Agency

This is the largest housing agency in Stockholm County. Here you can find short term contracts, student housing, housing for young adults and regular housing. Visit the website: www.bostad.stockholm.se/english/ 

Stockholms studentbostäder

This is student housing only (including PhDs) and you need to study at least half time and be a student union member to apply. Sometimes, they have last minute deals which are posted on first come-first serve basis. You will need to visit this website every few hours to have a chance on those deals Visit the website: www.sssb.se/en/ 

Wenner-Gren Foundations

This is researcher housing only (you need to have a doctoral degree) and you need to be employed for at least 6 months to be able to apply. The wait can be very long, up to 30 months, but if you plan you stay well in advance this is a great option. Visit the website: www.swgc.org/guest-scientist-accommodation 

Join a queue in an area close by Stockholm

Norrtälje: https://campusroslagen.se/ 
Sigtuna (in Swedish): https://bostadsigtuna.se/ 
Sollentuna (in Swedish): https://www.sollentunahem.se/
Solna (in Swedish): https://www.signalisten.se/  
Sundbyberg (in Swedish): https://www.forvaltaren.se/ 
Tyresö (in Swedish): https://www.tyresobostader.se/ 
Upplands-bro: https://upplands-brohus.se/english/

Here is a list of other websites where you can check availability for accommodations. However, please note that Stockholm University takes no responsibility for the legitimacy of these websites. We strongly recommend that you follow our advice listed above to avoid any possible frauds.

• BooBooLiving
• K2a (Swedish)
• Studentbostäder i Norden AB
• Blocket Bostad 
• HomeQ (Swedish)
• Hemavi