Rent apartment Malmö with cat: Rules and tips 2026

Rent apartment Malmö with cat – what do the rules say?

Renting an apartment in Malmö with a cat is a common situation for many residents, but it requires knowledge of both legal rights and practical considerations. Many landlords have questions or concerns about pets, and it's important to know what is actually permitted by law and what is open to negotiation.

According to Swedish rental law, a landlord cannot prohibit pets without good reason. This means you have the right to keep a cat, but the landlord can set reasonable conditions to protect the apartment and other tenants' comfort. These conditions might include protection against furniture damage, allergy concerns from neighbors, or special cleaning requirements.

Cat-friendly apartments in Malmö – what is legal?

Swedish rental law is far from banning cats. In fact, a landlord cannot simply say "no, you cannot have a cat" without a concrete, reasonable reason. This could be, for example, if a neighbor has documented cat allergies or if the apartment is so small that a pet would unreasonably affect other tenants' well-being.

More commonly, landlords set conditions rather than an outright ban:

• Furniture and floor protection: Many require you to use furniture covers or keep your cat's claws trimmed.
• Allergy considerations: If a neighbor has cat allergies, the landlord may request extra cleaning.
• Deposit or damage fee: Some landlords may increase the deposit slightly to cover potential damage from claws or urine.
• Insurance: Some want to see that you have home insurance covering pet-related damage.

It's important to get these conditions in writing before signing the lease to avoid misunderstandings later.

Rental apartment Malmö with pet cat – costs and deposit

When renting an apartment with a cat, there may be additional costs. Here's what to expect:

Deposit: Some landlords increase the deposit from standard level (often equivalent to one or two months' rent) to something higher to cover potential damage. This is legal as long as it's reasonable and documented in the contract.

Damage reserve: Some landlords may request a special damage reserve for pets, often equivalent to 500–1500 kronor depending on apartment size and condition.

Cleaning upon move-out: Expect the landlord to require professional cleaning at final inspection, especially to remove odors and potential allergens from the cat.

Home insurance: It's wise to have home insurance covering damage caused by your pets. It usually doesn't cost much extra but provides security for both you and the landlord.

It's important to distinguish between reasonable conditions and illegal demands. A landlord cannot require an unreasonably high deposit simply because you have a cat, and all conditions must be clearly stated in the lease.

Practical tips for finding cat-friendly apartments in Malmö

Finding a cat-friendly apartment in Malmö requires strategy. Here are some concrete tips:

Be open and honest from the start: When searching for an apartment, mention that you have a cat in your first letter or call. Landlords appreciate transparency and it saves time for both parties.

Show responsibility: Present your plans for protecting the apartment – furniture covers, regular vet visits, insurance, and cleaning schedule. A well-thought-out "pet package" can convince a skeptical landlord.

Seek through cat-specific channels: Some rental companies and private landlords market themselves as "pet-tested" or "pet-friendly." Search actively for these.

Avoid red flags: If a landlord refuses to discuss cats or demands unreasonably high fees, it's often a sign you're not a good fit.

Common questions about renting an apartment in Malmö with a cat

Can a landlord say no to my cat?

A landlord cannot say no without good reason. However, they can set conditions, such as protecting furniture, paying a higher deposit, or having home insurance. If you think the conditions are unfair, you can contact the tenant association.

How much higher can the deposit be for a cat?

There is no legal limit, but the deposit must be reasonable. An increase of 10–20 percent from the standard deposit is common. If the landlord demands something extremely high, it could be classified as discrimination.

What if the cat causes damage?

You are responsible for damage caused by your cat. This is why home insurance is important – it usually covers pet-related damage up to a certain amount. Without insurance, you may have to pay out of pocket.

Must I tell the landlord I have a cat?

Yes, it's important to be transparent. If you hide a cat and the landlord discovers it later, it can lead to conflicts or even lease termination.

Can I have multiple cats in an apartment in Malmö?

It depends on the apartment and the landlord's conditions. A larger apartment can handle two or three cats without issue, but a small studio might not. Discuss this with the landlord before signing the lease.