# HSB rental apartment – queue, home saving and how to rent *Dennis Palmberg* *12 november 2026* > How HSB's rental queue works: become a member, start home saving and join the queue. Here we explain how an HSB rental differs from a condominium and what rules apply. # HSB rental apartment – queue, home saving and how to rent An HSB rental apartment is a tenancy owned and managed by an HSB housing association, let to queue members in priority order. To rent via HSB, you become a member, start home saving – and your queue points then decide which apartment you are offered. Here we explain how HSB's housing queue works, what distinguishes a rental from a condominium, and what rules apply when you sign the contract. ## What is an HSB rental apartment? HSB is Sweden's largest housing cooperative, founded in 1923 during the housing crisis in Stockholm. Today HSB is a member-owned movement with around 680,000 members, 21 regional associations and more than 4,100 member condominium associations. More than one million people live in HSB's 27,000 rental apartments and 347,000 condominiums. HSB plans, finances, builds and manages housing across the country — unlike many private landlords, HSB is not driven by short-term profit. Surpluses are reinvested, and every member has a vote. ## How HSB's housing queue works Regional HSB associations own rental apartments allocated to home-saving members by priority. To join the queue you need to: - Become a member of HSB - Start home saving – deposit money into a home saving account - Join the housing queue at the regional HSB association where you want to live Home-saving members have priority for HSB's rental apartments. The longer you have been a member and the more you have saved, the better your place in the queue. When an apartment becomes vacant, it goes to the person in the queue with the most points who fits the apartment. HSB's rental apartments are first and foremost meant to help young people saving for their own home get housing in the meantime. But the queue is open to members of all ages who meet the association's conditions. ## HSB rental apartment or condominium? HSB manages both rentals and condominiums, and the difference is significant: - An HSB rental apartment is an apartment you rent. You pay rent in advance each month, do not own it and cannot sell it at a profit. The landlord is responsible for maintenance under the Swedish Land Code (Jordabalken). - An HSB condominium is an apartment you buy and own through a share in a condominium association. You pay a contribution and a monthly fee, and you may live there as long as you wish – but you maintain the inside of your own walls. For a rental via HSB, the queue system applies — not a purchase process. ## Apply, sign the contract and pay the rent When you are offered an HSB rental apartment, you sign a written tenancy agreement. You have the right to request it in writing, and you should always read it before you sign. It should state the rent, when it is due and the notice period. Rent is normally paid in advance, no later than the last business day before each month. As a tenant you must take care of the apartment. Major maintenance — pipes, windows, roof — is the landlord's responsibility. You may paint or wallpaper yourself, in a workmanlike manner, without the landlord's permission. But larger changes — removing a wall or installing a fixed cooker hood — require the landlord's approval first. ## When the apartment becomes vacant – viewing and offer When an HSB rental becomes vacant, the regional association contacts the person next in line. You are usually offered a viewing before you accept or decline. Declining may affect your place in the queue, depending on the association's rules. When you accept, you sign the agreement and receive the keys on move-in day. Make an inspection list with the landlord so any damage is documented before you move in — it protects both of you at move-out. ## Deposit, home insurance and notice Some HSB associations require a deposit (rental guarantee) when you sign. It is repaid when you move out, provided the apartment is in order and no rent is unpaid. Amounts and rules vary, so ask what applies at your association. You must have valid home insurance from the day you move in. It protects your belongings and can cover damage you accidentally cause. To terminate your tenancy, a three-month notice period applies, counted from the next month-end. You can always terminate. The landlord can only terminate for legal grounds, for example unpaid rent or serious disturbance. ## The Swedish Union of Tenants and your rights As an HSB tenant you have the same basic rights as with any other landlord. Hyresgästföreningen (the Swedish Union of Tenants) advises on rent, termination, renovation and disputes. The Swedish Land Code regulates tenancy agreements, rent increases, termination and the tenant's responsibility. If you consider the rent unreasonable, you can turn to the rent tribunal, which can decide on a reduction. You also have security of tenure — in many cases you have the right to stay even if the landlord terminates your tenancy. ## Regional differences at HSB HSB has 21 regional associations, each with its own queues, apartments and rules for home saving and letting. Queue times, points systems and available apartments differ between, for example, Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö and smaller towns. Visit the regional HSB association's website for your area to see exactly how queue and home saving work there. ## Summary An HSB rental apartment is a secure way into the rental market, especially if you are a member and home saver. Become a member, start saving and join the queue — after that, priority order decides when you receive an offer. Remember: at HSB you rent the apartment, you do not own it. And regardless of landlord, tenancy law and your rights as a tenant apply.