Orebro

🏠

Rental Housing

Sections

1. Types of Rental Housing Available in Örebro

In Örebro, you’ll find a variety of rental housing options catering to different needs and budgets. These include:

  • Apartments (Lägenheter): The most common type of rental housing, available in different sizes (1-room, 2-room, 3-room, etc.). Apartments are often located in multi-story buildings.
  • Student Housing: Örebro University attracts many students, so there are dedicated student accommodations, often in shared apartments or dormitory-style housing.
  • Houses (Villor): Detached houses are available for rent, though they are less common and typically more expensive. These are ideal for families or those seeking more space.
  • Sublets (Andrahandsuthyrning): Renting from someone who is subletting their apartment or house. This is common in Sweden but comes with specific legal considerations.
  • Rooms in Shared Housing: Renting a single room in a shared apartment or house is a budget-friendly option, especially for students or young professionals.

2. Average Rental Costs in Örebro

Rental prices in Örebro are generally more affordable than in larger cities like Stockholm or Gothenburg, but they can vary depending on the type of housing, location, and size. Below are approximate monthly rental costs:

  • 1-bedroom apartment (central Örebro): SEK 6,000–8,500
  • 1-bedroom apartment (outside the city center): SEK 5,000–7,000
  • 2-bedroom apartment (central Örebro): SEK 8,500–12,000
  • 2-bedroom apartment (outside the city center): SEK 7,000–9,500
  • Student housing (shared or dormitory-style): SEK 3,000–5,000
  • Houses (3–4 bedrooms): SEK 12,000–18,000

Note: Utilities (electricity, water, heating) are sometimes included in the rent but may cost an additional SEK 1,000–2,500 per month if not included.

3. The Process for Finding and Securing a Rental

Finding a rental in Örebro can be competitive, especially for centrally located apartments. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Search for Rentals

  • Online Platforms:
    • Blocket Bostad (www.blocket.se): A popular site for rental listings, including sublets.
    • BostadsPortal (www.bostadsportal.se): A platform for long-term rentals.
    • HomeQ (www.homeq.se): A digital queue system for rental apartments.
    • Qasa (www.qasa.se): A platform for secure rental agreements.
    • Studentbo (www.studentbo.se): Specifically for student housing.
  • Local Housing Companies:
    • ÖBO (ÖrebroBostäder): The largest municipal housing company in Örebro. They manage a wide range of rental properties and operate a queue system for applicants.
    • Private landlords: Smaller landlords often advertise on local websites or through word of mouth.

Step 2: Join Housing Queues

  • In Sweden, many rental properties are allocated through a queue system. For ÖBO, you need to register on their website and accumulate queue points (1 point per day). The longer you’re in the queue, the better your chances of securing a rental.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

  • Landlords often require:
    • Proof of income or employment.
    • A Swedish personal identity number (personnummer). If you don’t have one, some landlords may accept a temporary coordination number (samordningsnummer).
    • References from previous landlords (if applicable).
    • A deposit (usually 1–3 months’ rent).

Step 4: View the Property

  • Schedule a viewing to inspect the property. Be punctual and polite, as landlords value responsible tenants.

Step 5: Sign the Lease

  • Once approved, you’ll sign a rental agreement (hyresavtal). Ensure you understand the terms, including rent, duration, and notice period.

4. Legal Considerations

Sweden has strong tenant protection laws. Here are key points to keep in mind:

  • Lease Terms:
    • Contracts can be short-term (temporary) or long-term (permanent).
    • Sublets require the landlord’s permission. Ensure the sublease is legal to avoid eviction risks.
  • Rent Control:
    • Sweden has rent control laws. If you suspect the rent is unreasonably high, you can report it to the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden).
  • Notice Period:
    • For tenants, the standard notice period is 1–3 months, depending on the lease agreement.
  • Deposit:
    • Landlords can request a deposit, but it must be returned at the end of the lease unless there is damage to the property.

5. Additional Costs and Requirements

  • Utilities: Check if utilities (electricity, water, heating, internet) are included in the rent. If not, budget an additional SEK 1,000–2,500 per month.
  • Home Insurance (Hemförsäkring): It’s highly recommended (and sometimes required) to have home insurance. This typically costs SEK 100–300 per month.
  • Furniture: Many rentals in Sweden are unfurnished. Budget for furniture if needed, or look for second-hand options on websites like Blocket or Facebook Marketplace.
  • Parking: If you need parking, inquire about availability and costs, as it’s often an additional fee.

6. Local Cultural and Practical Tips

  • Plan Ahead: The rental market in Örebro can be competitive, especially during the start of the academic year (August–September). Start your search early.
  • Be Patient with Queues: The queue system for municipal housing can take time. Consider private rentals or sublets as a temporary solution.
  • Understand Swedish Etiquette: Swedes value punctuality and clear communication. Be polite and professional when interacting with landlords.
  • Explore Suburbs: If you’re open to living outside the city center, areas like Brickebacken, Adolfsberg, and Hjärsta offer more affordable options with good public transport connections.
  • Public Transport: Örebro has an efficient bus network, so living slightly outside the city center is still convenient.

7. Where to Get Help

  • Örebro Municipality (Örebro Kommun): Offers resources for new residents, including housing advice.
  • Tenant’s Association (Hyresgästföreningen): A national organization that provides legal support and advice to tenants.
  • Student Services at Örebro University: If you’re a student, the university can assist with finding housing.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to find and secure rental housing in Örebro. Good luck with your search, and enjoy your time in this beautiful Swedish city!