Furnished apartment in Kalmar: Checklist before signing

Furnished apartment in Kalmar: Checklist before signing

A furnished apartment in Kalmar is attractive for students, newcomers and anyone who wants to avoid buying their own furniture. But not all furnished apartments are the same. What is included can vary greatly between landlords and contracts. Before you sign, you should always review what is on site and what is your own responsibility.

What should a furnished apartment contain?

A properly furnished rental apartment should always have basic furniture so it is ready to move into directly:

• Bed with mattress – and preferably pillows and duvet, even if this varies
• Dining table and chairs – at least one table and two chairs
• Sofa or armchairs in the living room
• Desk and chair if the apartment is marketed as student housing
• Wardrobes or closets for storage
• Table and chairs in the kitchen or dining area
• Lighting in all rooms

Important: furnished does not mean everything is new or in top condition. Many pieces of furniture can be second-hand or worn from previous tenants.

What you should not expect

A furnished apartment is not a hotel. Common uncertainties:

• Bed linen, towels and dishcloths are rarely included
• Spices, oil and coffee in the kitchen are not included
• Cleaning before moving in should be included, but ongoing cleaning is your responsibility
• Electronics such as TV, microwave or coffee maker are unusual unless stated in the ad

Check the inventory before moving in

According to the Land Tenancy Act (1970:994) chapter 12, you as a tenant are entitled to a correct description of what is included in the lease. For a furnished apartment, this means there should be an inventory list or a move-in protocol.

1. Read the inventory carefully – check that all furniture listed is actually on site
2. Photograph every piece of furniture and every room before you move your own things in
3. Note damages directly on the protocol – scratches, stains, broken drawers or doors
4. Sign only when you agree with the landlord about what is there and in what condition it is

A signed protocol is your protection if the landlord later claims you damaged something that was already broken when you moved in.

What do you do if something is missing or broken?

If the furniture does not match the inventory, or if something is broken when you move in:

1. Document with photos and written notes immediately
2. Contact the landlord within 24–48 hours and tell them what is missing or broken
3. Ask for written confirmation that the landlord has received your notification
4. Contact the Tenants' Association if the landlord does not respond or does not fix the problems
5. The Rent Tribunal can help resolve disputes about what is included in the contract

Who is responsible for what during the tenancy?

As a tenant in a furnished apartment, you are responsible for normal wear and tear on the furniture, accidents and damage caused by you or your guests, and cleaning of the apartment and furniture during the tenancy.

The landlord is responsible for ensuring the furniture is whole and usable when you move in, and for replacing furniture that breaks due to age and normal wear and tear.

Difference between furnished and unfurnished rental

Furnished apartment: faster to move into, often shorter binding period or notice period, rent may be higher since furniture is included, you have less control over style and condition.

Unfurnished apartment: you choose your own furniture and decor, often longer queue via the housing queue, rent may be lower but you have higher initial costs.

Common questions about furnished apartments in Kalmar

Do I have to pay a deposit for the furniture? Some landlords charge a deposit or security for furniture. This should be stated in the contract.

Can I replace the furniture with my own? It depends on what is stated in your lease. Ask before you sign.

Are there furnished apartments via Kalmarhem's housing queue? Kalmarhem and Byggebo are the large public housing companies in Kalmar. Furnished apartments are less common in the public housing queue.

Does the Land Tenancy Act apply to furnished apartments too? Yes. The Land Tenancy Act (1970:994) chapter 12 applies to all leases, whether the apartment is furnished or not.

Conclusion

A furnished apartment in Kalmar can save you both time and money in the beginning. But you must always double-check what is included before signing the lease. Use the checklist above, take photos, and make sure everything stated in the ad is actually in place when you move in.

Sources: Land Tenancy Act (1970:994) chapter 12 on leases, hyresgastforeningen.se, sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyresratt