Tenant's liability for damage in the apartment

Question

I have rented a shared room in the apartment and stayed for 6 months. Once I have moved out from the apartment, my owner who is sharing the apartment is saying that there is a problem with the bed bugs in the apartment and demanding 25000 Swedish Krones in 3-4 days. And she is also threatening me by saying that she will talk to my boss at the workplace (where I work). So, I am really worried about the case and I don't know what to do. And when I asked her to provide bills and papers, she is refusing to pay.

So can someone help me out what to do?

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Hi, and thank you for your question!

Tenancy is regulated in the 12th chapter of the Swedish Land Code (s. jordabalken). Pursuant to Section 24, a tenant should take good care of the apartment and its fixtures during the term of the tenancy. Accordingly, the tenant is liable for damages, such as vermin, owing to his fault or to negligence or neglect on the part of any person belonging to his household or visiting him.

However, it is the responsibility of the landlord to prove that you have caused the vermin through negligence or recklessness. This also means that simple accidents does not entail any liability. Unless the landlord can provide any evidence proving that either you or someone visiting you, by negligence or recklessness, have caused the vermin, you are not liable for the damages and thus not obliged to give her any money.

I'm unsure what she intends to say to your boss. Under the Employment Protection Act, employees in Sweden enjoy a far-reaching occupational safety. Hence, an employee cannot be fired without objective grounds. Damaging your personal apartment is not an objective ground.

I hope my answer was helpful!

Sincerely,