Finding accommodation in Stockholm is not an easy task. It can actually feel kind of overwhelming. It is not like in many other countries, where people just rent out their properties and you can easily find them on web listings… Oh no! Not in Sweden. Plus you’ll find people who are ready to take advantage of the difficulties of getting an apartment, especially if you’re coming from abroad to settle in Sweden. They know you may be desperate and in need of a place to start your new life as soon as possible. So scams are unfortunately common.
That’s why we have listed a few tips that will spare you from the unpleasant experience of falling victim to an accommodation scam in Stockholm. Watch our video for a quick run-through and read below for in-detail information:
Facebook Groups
You’ll find that there are many Facebook groups where people offer flats and rooms in different parts of the city. Keep your eyes open for fake ads, sometimes they would put up images of very good looking properties, the information and price may look attractive too, but they can be fake.
If after contacting the person who put up the post you get a message such as: I’m just managing the apartment. The landlord lives in Spain… This is already a sign for something shady. Next thing you know he/she might be asking for money in advance to see how committed you are and in order to reserve the apartment to you. Refuse this immediately.
Other words to be alert for are: I can only send you the keys once you have paid. Luxurious apartment with led lights… No one ever needs to advertise apartments this way in Sweden, the demand is higher than the supply, so there’s no need to overdo it.
Double check that the person you are having contact with is really who she or he says, by looking at their profile. If they have a profile with not so many friends or interactions and the person doesn’t even live in the country, the likelihood of a scam is high.
Use Trusted Resources
There are websites where you can look for accommodation that take to the task of certifying each apartment making sure that they’re real and that what they advertise is actually what they have to offer. One of these websites is Bostadshub.se , here you can search among 13,000 certified properties to rent all across Sweden
Too Good To Be True
If an advertisement shows the perfect place in the perfect neighbourhood with the perfect rent, leave room for doubt. It might pretty well be a scam. Our best recommendation is that if you can’t make it to a viewing at the time, request a Skype or FaceTime meeting with the landlord to make sure that both he/she and the apartment are what they are advertised to be.
Bear in mind that accommodations are in high demand, so if you see something available and you have verified its authenticity, you must make your move quickly before the place is taken by someone else.
Never Pay in Advance
Once you’ve made your decision, do all your check-ups first. Visit the apartment and make sure the person is trustworthy. If the person who is renting it is not the owner of the apartment, make sure that they have total right to offer it and to hand you the keys. For example you can go online and check who is registered to live at the address and call that person.
They will of course request a down payment, but you should not pay any sum until you have done all of the above and received the keys from the hands of the renter.
Rental Agreement
No matter the size or type of accommodation, whether it’s a house or just a room in a flat, always sign a rental agreement. A standard rental agreement in English can be found on the Akademisk Kvart’s website. This way you’ll have all the landlord’s details and everything about fees and leaving terms in writing.
We hope you find this advice useful, you an also refer to this article “Finding a Rental Apartment in Stockholm” with more information about what to expect and how to prepare yourself when hunting for accommodation in the capital city.
If you have any questions drop us a message in the comments below, we’ll be more than happy to further orientate you.
