---
title: "What happens if I don't pay my rent on time?"
author: "Esther Asmundsson"
authorUrl: "https://bofrid.se/en/articles/authors/EstherAsmundsson"
datePublished: "2026-09-05T15:42:41.474Z"
dateModified: "2026-09-05T15:46:37.421Z"
description: "If you don't pay your rent on time, your landlord can terminate your rental agreement. Learn about the process, your rights, and what you can do."
keywords: ["what happens if I don't pay rent on time", "late rent", "rent termination", "eviction", "rental flat", "payment order"]
categories: ["Tenant", "Guides"]
canonical: "https://bofrid.se/en/articles/what-happens-if-i-don-t-pay-my-rent-on-time"
language: "en"
image: "https://bofrid.media/cms/2f6d28912e6a043a38e3ea7da4c59306f3e6af28.webp"
---

# What happens if I don't pay my rent on time?

If you don't pay your rent on time, your landlord can terminate your rental agreement early. If you are more than one week late after the due date, your rental right is forfeited according to Chapter 12, Section 42, first paragraph, item 1 of the Jordabalken (Swedish Land Code). But you get a second chance: if you pay the rent within three weeks from when the termination was served to you, you normally get your rental right back according to Chapter 12, Section 44 of the Jordabalken.

## What happens if I don't pay my rent on time?

Late rent is a serious matter that can lead to serious consequences. When the rent is not paid on time, you breach your rental agreement. The landlord then has the right to take action. The most important thing to know is that you don't automatically lose your flat, but the process can lead there.

### First step: reminder

When the rent is not paid, the landlord usually sends a reminder. This is a formal notice reminding you to pay. If you pay after the reminder, the matter is usually resolved. It is important that you react quickly.

### Second step: payment order

If you don't pay after the reminder, the landlord can send a payment order (betalningsföreläggande). This is a formal demand for payment within a certain time. If you don't pay after this, the landlord can take further action.

### Third step: termination

If the rent still remains unpaid, the landlord can terminate the rental agreement early, because the rental right is forfeited after one week's delay according to Chapter 12, Section 42, first paragraph, item 1 of the Jordabalken. Such a termination has no three-month notice period – the agreement ends early. What saves your housing instead is the reinstatement period in Chapter 12, Section 44 of the Jordabalken: if you pay the entire overdue rent within three weeks from the service of the termination, you can usually stay. The landlord must also notify the social welfare committee (socialnämnden), which can help with the payment.

### Fourth step: eviction

If you don't move out after the termination, the landlord can apply for eviction (vräkning). This is done through the court. An eviction is a serious consequence that can affect your future ability to rent a home.

## What rights do you have as a tenant?

As a tenant, you have rights that protect you. You have the right to receive a reminder before the landlord takes more serious action. You also have the right to pay the rent after the due date if you have a valid reason. It is important that you communicate with the landlord if you have problems with the payment.

### Right to pay after the due date

If you have a valid reason for the delay, such as illness or financial problems, you can ask the landlord to pay after the due date. The landlord is obliged to consider your request. It is important that you contact the landlord in time.

### Right to complain

If you believe the landlord has acted incorrectly, you have the right to complain. You can complain to the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden). The Rent Tribunal is an independent authority that resolves disputes between tenants and landlords. You can read more about the Rent Tribunal in our article [Hyresnämnden: så funkar den och dina rättigheter som hyresgäst](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/dispute-with-your-landlord-how-to-report-to-the-swedish-rent-tribunal).

## What can you do if you can't pay the rent?

If you have problems paying the rent, there are things you can do. The most important thing is to act quickly and communicate with the landlord.

### Contact the landlord

The first thing you should do is contact the landlord. Explain your situation and ask for a payment plan. Many landlords are willing to help if you show that you are serious.

### Seek help from social services

If you have difficulty paying the rent, you can seek help from social services (socialtjänsten). They can help you with financial support. This can be a temporary solution until you get back on your feet.

### Consider subletting

If you have a flat that you can sublet, this can help you pay the rent. However, there are rules for subletting. You can read more about this in our article [Vad händer om du hyr ut i andra hand utan tillstånd?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/renting-out-without-permission-avoid-pitfalls-in-sweden).

## Frequently asked questions

**Question: What happens if I don't pay my rent on time?**

Answer: If you are more than one week late after the due date, your rental right is forfeited according to Chapter 12, Section 42, first paragraph, item 1 of the Jordabalken, and the landlord can terminate the agreement early. If you pay within three weeks from the service of the termination, you can usually stay, according to Chapter 12, Section 44 of the Jordabalken.

**Question: Can the landlord evict me directly if I don't pay the rent?**

Answer: No, the landlord cannot evict you directly. You have the right to a reminder and a payment order. If you don't pay after these, the landlord can terminate the rental agreement. An eviction is done through the court.

**Question: What is the difference between termination and eviction?**

Answer: Termination is when the landlord ends the rental agreement. Eviction is when the landlord applies for you to move out through the court. Termination happens before eviction.

**Question: Can I pay the rent after the due date without consequences?**

Answer: Yes, if you have a valid reason for the delay, you can pay after the due date. However, you should contact the landlord in time. The landlord is obliged to consider your request.

## Summary

If you don't pay your rent on time, it can lead to serious consequences, including termination and eviction. The most important thing is to act quickly and communicate with the landlord. You have rights that protect you, but you must be proactive. If you have problems with the payment, you can seek help from social services. Read more about your rights in our article [Hyresnämnden: så funkar den och dina rättigheter som hyresgäst](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/dispute-with-your-landlord-how-to-report-to-the-swedish-rent-tribunal).

*The text is general information and does not replace legal advice.*