Malmo

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Housing Agencies and Councils

An explanation of how local housing agencies and councils help in finding housing and handling regulations.

Sections

1. Overview of the Housing System in Malmö

Sweden’s housing system is unique, with a mix of public and private rental markets. Malmö follows this model, where housing is divided into:

  • First-hand contracts (förstahandskontrakt): Long-term rental agreements directly with landlords or housing companies.
  • Second-hand contracts (andrahandskontrakt): Subletting agreements, often for shorter durations.
  • Student housing: Dedicated accommodations for students.
  • Homeownership: Buying property, which is less common for newcomers due to high costs and legal complexities.

In Malmö, the housing market is competitive, especially for first-hand rental contracts. Most rental properties are managed by municipal housing agencies or private landlords.

2. Key Housing Agencies and Councils in Malmö

a. Boplats Syd

  • What it is: Boplats Syd is the central housing queue system for Malmö and the Skåne region. It is a public housing agency that collaborates with both municipal and private landlords.
  • Services offered:
    • Centralized platform to search for first-hand rental contracts.
    • Listings for apartments, student housing, and senior housing.
    • Assistance with applications and housing-related queries.
  • Costs:
    • Registration fee: SEK 300 per year (non-refundable).
    • Rent prices vary depending on the property, location, and size. Expect to pay around SEK 7,000–12,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in central Malmö.
  • Application procedure:
    1. Register on the Boplats Syd website (www.boplatssyd.se).
    2. Pay the annual registration fee.
    3. Search for available properties and apply for listings that match your preferences.
    4. Apartments are allocated based on queue time (the longer you’ve been registered, the higher your priority).
  • Eligibility criteria:
    • Must be at least 18 years old.
    • Have a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer) or coordination number (samordningsnummer).
    • Proof of income may be required for certain properties.
  • Local considerations:
    • Queue times can be long (several years for popular areas), so register as early as possible.
    • Be flexible with location and property type to increase your chances.

b. MKB Fastighets AB

  • What it is: MKB is Malmö’s largest municipal housing company, managing over 25,000 rental properties.
  • Services offered:
    • Affordable rental housing across Malmö.
    • Specialized housing for students, seniors, and families.
    • Maintenance and tenant support services.
  • Costs:
    • No registration fee, but rents are similar to market rates (SEK 7,000–12,000/month for a one-bedroom apartment).
  • Application procedure:
    • Properties are listed on Boplats Syd, so you must register there to access MKB rentals.
  • Eligibility criteria:
    • Same as Boplats Syd (age, personal number, income verification).
  • Local considerations:
    • MKB properties are well-maintained and often located in family-friendly neighborhoods.
    • They also offer short-term rental options for newcomers.

c. Private Landlords and Agencies

  • What they are: Numerous private landlords and property management companies operate in Malmö, offering both first-hand and second-hand rental contracts.
  • Examples:
    • Heimstaden
    • Willhem
    • Stena Fastigheter
  • Services offered:
    • Direct rental agreements for apartments.
    • Listings for short-term and long-term rentals.
  • Costs:
    • Rents are typically higher than municipal housing, ranging from SEK 8,000–15,000/month for a one-bedroom apartment.
  • Application procedure:
    • Check their websites for available properties.
    • Submit an application directly to the landlord or agency.
    • Be prepared to provide proof of income, references, and a deposit (usually one to three months’ rent).
  • Eligibility criteria:
    • Varies by landlord but generally includes proof of income and a Swedish personal number.
  • Local considerations:
    • Private rentals often have shorter waiting times but may require higher deposits and stricter income requirements.

d. Student Housing Providers

  • What they are: Dedicated housing providers for students enrolled in Malmö University or other institutions.
  • Examples:
    • Malmö Studenthus
    • SGS Studentbostäder
  • Services offered:
    • Affordable, furnished apartments or dormitory-style rooms.
    • Proximity to university campuses.
  • Costs:
    • SEK 3,500–6,000/month, depending on the type of accommodation.
  • Application procedure:
    • Apply directly through the student housing provider’s website.
    • Proof of enrollment at a university is required.
  • Eligibility criteria:
    • Must be a full-time student.
  • Local considerations:
    • Apply as early as possible, as student housing is in high demand.

3. Second-Hand Rentals (Andrahandskontrakt)

Second-hand rentals are a common option for newcomers who need housing quickly. These are sublet agreements where the primary tenant rents out their apartment.

  • Where to find listings:
    • Websites like Blocket.se, Qasa.se, and Facebook groups (e.g., “Lägenheter i Malmö”).
  • Costs:
    • Often higher than first-hand rentals, ranging from SEK 8,000–15,000/month for a one-bedroom apartment.
  • Application procedure:
    • Contact the landlord or tenant directly.
    • Be prepared to sign a sublet agreement and pay a deposit.
  • Local considerations:
    • Ensure the sublet is legal (the primary tenant must have permission from the landlord).
    • Beware of scams—never pay money upfront without verifying the property and agreement.

4. Tips for Navigating the Housing System in Malmö

  • Start early: The housing market is competitive, so begin your search as soon as possible.
  • Be flexible: Consider living in suburban areas like Limhamn, Hyllie, or Rosengård, which may have shorter waiting times and lower rents.
  • Network: Join local Facebook groups and forums to connect with landlords and other tenants.
  • Understand your rights: Swedish rental laws strongly protect tenants. For example, landlords cannot evict tenants without legal cause, and rent increases are regulated.
  • Learn Swedish: While many people in Malmö speak English, knowing some Swedish can help you navigate housing websites and communicate with landlords.

5. Additional Resources

By leveraging these resources and tips, you can navigate Malmö’s housing system more effectively and secure suitable accommodation. Good luck with your housing search!