Buying a condominium (bostadsrätt) in Sweden is a major investment. However, even if you sign the purchase agreement, you must also be approved as a member of the housing cooperative (bostadsrättsförening) before you can officially take over the apartment. But what happens if the board says no?
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In this article, we explain your legal rights under Swedish housing law and what actions you can take if your membership is denied.
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What Does Membership Mean?
When you buy a condominium in Sweden, you don’t own the apartment itself. Instead, you purchase a share in a housing cooperative association that owns the building. As part of that, you must be accepted as a member to gain legal access to live in the unit.
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When Can the Cooperative Board Deny Membership?
Under Swedish law, a housing cooperative cannot deny membership without a valid reason. The most common reasons are:
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Financial concerns: If the buyer appears unable to pay the monthly fees.
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Legal status: If a legal entity (e.g. a company) tries to buy the unit and the bylaws only allow individuals.
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Serious conduct issues: Documented history of disruptive behavior, criminal records, or proven conflicts with the association.
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Personal opinions, ethnicity, family status, or background cannot be used as grounds for refusal. Discrimination is prohibited under Swedish discrimination law.
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What Happens If You Are Denied Membership?
If the cooperative refuses your membership, you or the seller can appeal the decision to the Swedish Rent and Tenancy Tribunal (Hyresnämnden). This must be done within three weeks from the day you received the decision.
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If the tribunal finds that the refusal violates the law, they may order the cooperative to approve your membership.
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What Should You Do If Denied?
If you’re denied membership:
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Request a written explanation from the cooperative.
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Consult a Swedish lawyer if you believe the decision is unjust.
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File an appeal with the Hyresnämnden within the legal deadline.
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Inform the seller, who may also be legally affected if the sale falls through.
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In some cases, the seller can cancel the contract if you are not accepted as a member.
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How to Avoid Problems
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Review the cooperative’s bylaws before signing a purchase agreement.
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If you have an uncertain financial situation, consider submitting extra documentation (e.g. an employment contract or a guarantor).
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You can also ask the board for a preliminary opinion before committing to the purchase.
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Summary
Being denied membership in a Swedish housing cooperative can delay or block your purchase. But the cooperative board must have objective and legal reasons, and you have a right to appeal the decision. With proper legal help, many buyers succeed in having unfair denials overturned.
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Have you been denied membership in a housing cooperative in Sweden? Contact Advokatfirman Segerström – we can help you protect your rights and appeal the decision to the Rent Tribunal.
