Renting Without a Guarantor — 5 Alternatives in 2024

Renting Without a Guarantor — Is It Possible?

Yes, it is possible to rent an apartment without a guarantor, but it is not always straightforward. Many Swedish landlords require a guarantor to reduce the risk of unpaid rent, especially for new tenants without an established rental history. If you are young, newly arrived from abroad, or self-employed, the guarantor requirement can feel like an impossible barrier. Good news: there are several alternatives.

Why Do Landlords Require a Guarantor?

A guarantor is a person who legally undertakes to pay the rent if the tenant cannot or will not. For the landlord, it is insurance against financial loss. Landlords typically focus on three risk indicators:

• Payment ability: Can the tenant afford the rent?
• Rental history: Has the person paid rent on time before?
• Stability: Does the person have stable employment or other income sources?

If you lack two or three of these, the demand for a guarantor increases.

Alternatives to a Guarantor — What Works?

1. Security Deposit

A security deposit is a sum of money you pay to cover potential damage or unpaid rent. This is often the strongest alternative to a guarantor.

Amount: Typically 1–3 months' rent, depending on the apartment and landlord's policy.

Advantage: You retain control over the money (it is yours), and many landlords accept this as a full alternative.

Disadvantage: You need to have this sum available from the start.

2. Co-Signer

A co-signer is not the same as a guarantor—it is a person who signs the lease with you and shares responsibility for the agreement. It can be a parent, friend, or family member.

Advantage: Shows the landlord that someone else trusts your payment ability.

3. Strong Employment Contract

A permanent employment contract with good income is often the best proof of payment ability. If you can show an employment contract that runs several years forward, many landlords may accept this instead of a guarantor.

Tip: Also attach your latest payslip and a letter from your employer.

4. Bank or Credit Certificate

A bank certificate showing that you have savings or good creditworthiness can increase your value as a tenant. Some banks issue special "tenant certificates" that demonstrate financial stability.

5. Higher Rent or Shorter Initial Period

Some landlords accept not requiring a guarantor if you agree to slightly higher rent or a shorter initial lease period (e.g., 6 months instead of 12). This compensates the landlord for increased risk.

Regional Differences in Sweden

The demand for a guarantor varies significantly depending on where you search:

Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö: High pressure on the housing market means landlords can choose. A guarantor is often required, but security deposits are often accepted.

Mid-sized cities (Uppsala, Linköping, Växjö): Less demanding. Many landlords accept strong employment contracts or security deposits.

Smaller towns and rural areas: Often lower demands for guarantors. Personal contact and references may weigh more heavily than formal requirements.

Practical Strategies for Renting Without a Guarantor

Prepare a Strong Application

If you cannot offer a guarantor, you must be extra clear about your strengths:

1. Write a personal letter to the landlord introducing yourself, explaining your situation, and showing your interest in the apartment.
2. Gather documentation: Employment contract, payslips, bank certificate, previous rental references (if you have any).
3. Offer a security deposit: Show that you are willing to take responsibility.
4. Request references: From previous landlords, employers, or others who can vouch for your reliability.

Focus on Smaller Landlords

Large housing companies often have strict policies and require guarantors. Private landlords are often more flexible and value personal contact over formal requirements.

Use Digital Platforms Strategically

Platforms like Blocket, Hemnet, and Bostad.se let you reach many landlords quickly. Some platforms have filters for "rent without guarantor"—these can save time.

What Should You Avoid?

• Undocumented rental agreements: No written contract, no legal protection.
• Landlords demanding cash upfront: Risk of fraud.
• Accepting unreasonable terms: A landlord's right to demand a guarantor is limited by rental law.
• Lying on your application: It can make the contract void later.

FAQ

Can you rent without a guarantor in Sweden by law?

Yes, there is no law requiring landlords to accept a guarantor, but there is also no law prohibiting it. The landlord can set conditions, but these must be reasonable and non-discriminatory.

What does a security deposit cost?

Typically 1–3 months' rent. A 60 square meter apartment at 8,000 SEK per month would require 8,000–24,000 SEK in security deposit.

Can a friend be a co-signer?

Yes, a friend can sign with you, but they must also accept legal responsibility for the agreement. It is important that both parties understand the consequences before signing.

Is it easier to rent without a guarantor in smaller cities?

Yes, generally. Less competition for housing means landlords are more flexible. Personal contact often weighs more than formal requirements.

What if the landlord requires a guarantor and I don't have one?

Negotiate. Offer a security deposit, show strong documentation of your payment ability, or ask about a shorter initial lease period. If the landlord is inflexible, it may be worth looking for other apartments.