Can I cancel a lease before the move in date?

Question

Can I back out from a signed first hand apartment rental contract, in which I am the tenant, prior to its start?

Answer 1

Hi,

Thank you for writing to Lawline.

If there is nothing causing the lease to be invalid (for example if you were forced to sign the lease) the lease's usual terms for canceling the lease apply.

If nothing has been specified, the notice period is three months starting from the next month (12 chapter 5 § Jordabalken). If the renting period starts before the lease is canceled, you’ll have to pay rent.

I hope this helped to answer your question.

Best regards,