| Scenario | What applies | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Landlord and tenant carry out inspection together | Both parties sign the report | Landlord documents |
| Professional surveyor hired | Detailed report produced | Landlord pays |
| No inspection carried out | Tenant can later claim faults existed from the start | Landlord has weaker position |
| Tenant refuses to participate | Landlord documents the flat's condition alone | Landlord should take photos/video |
Yes, it is strongly recommended that you show the flat before the tenant moves in. The landlord and the new tenant should go through the flat together before move-in to document its condition. This is standard practice in rental relationships and is carried out through what is called a move-in inspection or survey.
Show flat before move-in – why it matters
A move-in inspection serves both parties' interests. Both the landlord and tenant benefit from documenting the flat's condition when the tenant takes over. Without this inspection, it becomes difficult later to determine which damage existed beforehand and which occurred during the tenancy.
The inspection is carried out by the landlord and tenant going through the flat together and noting any existing faults, damage and wear and tear. The result is documented in an inspection report that both parties sign.
What does a pre-move-in inspection include?
A thorough inspection covers:
- Walls, floors and ceilings – cracks, stains, damp
- Windows and doors – functionality and sealing
- Appliances – if included in the rent
- Pipes and drainage – leaks or problems
- Electricity and lighting – all sockets and switches
- Heating and ventilation – does the system work?
- Furniture and fittings – damage or wear and tear
The landlord should take photographs or video to have visual documentation. This protects both parties later.
Show flat before move-in – who pays?
The cost of the inspection varies. If the landlord hires a professional surveyor or property manager, there is a cost for the service. This cost is usually the landlord's responsibility, as it is part of managing the property.
In some cases, the landlord and tenant can do a simple walkthrough together without external help, which costs nothing.
Read more about what it costs to inspect a flat at move-in.
Comparison: different inspection scenarios
Checklist: how to carry out the pre-move-in inspection
- Book a time together with the tenant – before move-in
- Prepare the inspection report – use a template or form
- Go through each room systematically – start from the entrance, continue through all spaces
- Document all existing faults – note exactly what, where and how serious
- Take photographs or video – of damage, stains and wear and tear
- Measure any damp problems – use damp testing if you suspect problems
- Test all appliances – white goods, lighting, heating, ventilation
- Have both parties sign – the report must be signed by both landlord and tenant
- Save a copy – give the tenant a copy, keep one yourself
- Archive the document – save it throughout the entire tenancy
What happens if the inspection is not carried out?
If no pre-move-in inspection is carried out, it can cause problems later. The tenant can then claim that damage discovered later already existed when they moved in. Without documentation, it is difficult for the landlord to prove otherwise.
This can lead to disputes over rent reduction or compensation for repairs. Read more about rental contract before move-in and what you should check.
Can the tenant refuse to participate in the inspection?
Carrying out an inspection together is a normal and recommended part of the rental relationship, but it is not something the tenant is forced to participate in. If the tenant cannot be present at the scheduled time, a new time should be booked soon.
If the tenant completely declines to participate, the landlord can carry out the inspection anyway and document the flat's condition with photographs. However, it is better if both parties are present to avoid later disagreements.
Frequently asked questions
Must the inspection be done on the same day the tenant gets the keys? No, but it should be done before or very soon after move-in. Ideally it is before the tenant takes over the flat. It is important to do it before the tenant starts moving in furniture and belongings.
What do I do if the tenant says there are faults that are not documented? If the tenant later claims there were faults not documented in the inspection report, they can demand rent reduction or require the landlord to repair it. Without documentation from the inspection, it is difficult for the landlord to prove the fault did not exist from the start. Read more about rent reduction for faults.
Can I as a landlord require the tenant to pay for the inspection? No, the inspection is part of the landlord's management of the property. The cost is the landlord's responsibility. You cannot charge the tenant for this.
What should I do if the inspection report shows many faults? If the inspection reveals many serious faults, the landlord should repair these before the tenant moves in. If this is not possible, the landlord must inform the tenant of which faults exist and when they will be fixed. The tenant can otherwise demand rent reduction from day one.
Related articles
Read more about what you must do before the tenant moves in:
- What must you show the tenant before signing the contract?
- What does it cost to inspect a flat at move-in?
- Rental contract before move-in: what should you check?
- The Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden): how it works and your rights as a tenant
This text is general information and does not replace legal advice.
