---
title: "Can a landlord refuse a tenant for poor creditworthiness?"
author: "Esther Asmundsson"
authorUrl: "https://bofrid.com/en/articles/authors/EstherAsmundsson"
datePublished: "2026-10-15T07:15:01.707Z"
dateModified: "2026-10-15T07:15:01.768Z"
description: "Yes, a landlord may refuse based on poor creditworthiness, but only lawfully. Read the rules on credit checks, discrimination and your rights."
keywords: ["landlord refuse tenant credit check", "creditworthiness rental agreement", "credit check rent legal", "discrimination rental market", "GDPR credit information rent", "tenant rights credit check"]
categories: ["Guides", "Landlord"]
canonical: "https://bofrid.com/en/articles/can-a-landlord-refuse-a-tenant-for-poor-creditworthiness"
language: "en"
image: "https://bofrid.media/cms/49c1e5321d1892c6aefbeafb15d01639afd9e290.webp"
---

# Can a landlord refuse a tenant for poor creditworthiness?

Yes, a landlord may refuse a tenant due to poor creditworthiness, but only if the credit check is carried out lawfully and the conditions are reasonable. The limit is set by freedom of contract, the Discrimination Act (diskrimineringslagen, 2008:567) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

## Landlord refusing a tenant – what does the law say?

A landlord has the right to assess a prospective tenant's ability to pay before the contract is signed. A credit check is a tool for this assessment. However, two important restrictions apply: the credit check must be carried out according to GDPR rules for processing personal data, and the result must not be used in a way that breaches the Discrimination Act.

A landlord cannot impose unreasonable or discriminatory conditions for accepting a tenant. Contract terms that are disadvantageous to the tenant and deviate from mandatory rules are void.

## Credit checks and data protection

If a landlord carries out a credit check, it must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This means:

- The tenant must be informed that a credit check will be carried out
- The tenant must give consent before the check is performed
- The information may only be used to assess ability to pay
- The information must be stored securely and deleted when no longer needed

A credit check based on incomplete or incorrect information may result in a tenant being refused without valid grounds. If this happens, the tenant can request correction or take legal action.

## Landlord refusing a tenant – when is it permitted?

A landlord may refuse a tenant due to poor creditworthiness if:

- The credit check shows genuine payment risks
- The decision is based on actual information, not assumptions
- The conditions are applied consistently to all applicants
- The decision does not discriminate on grounds of gender, ethnic background, religion, disability or other protected characteristic

A landlord may not, however, refuse a tenant solely because the person has previously experienced financial difficulties if the situation is now stable.

## Discrimination under the Discrimination Act

The Discrimination Act (diskrimineringslagen, 2008:567) prohibits discrimination on grounds of gender, gender identity, ethnic background, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation and age. A credit check must not be used as a pretext for discrimination.

Example: A landlord cannot refuse a tenant with a foreign background solely because the credit check shows a lower value than for Swedish citizens. If this happens, it may be classified as discrimination.

## Practical guidance for landlords

| Scenario | What applies | Legal basis/Source |
|----------|--------------|-------------------|
| Landlord wants to carry out a credit check | Must inform tenant and obtain consent | GDPR, Data Protection Regulation |
| Credit check shows poor payment history | May refuse if the risk is genuine and documented | Freedom of contract |
| Tenant has the same financial status as another applicant but is refused | May be discrimination if treatment differs | Discrimination Act (diskrimineringslagen, 2008:567) |
| Landlord uses credit check to discriminate | Prohibited and may result in damages | Discrimination Act (diskrimineringslagen, 2008:567) |
| Tenant requests access to the credit check | Has the right to see what information has been processed | GDPR, right of data access |

## Checklist for landlords wanting to carry out a credit check

1. **Inform the applicant** – Tell them that a credit check will be carried out before requesting information
2. **Obtain consent** – Get written approval from the applicant before the check is performed
3. **Use an authorised service** – Work with a credit reporting company that complies with GDPR
4. **Document the decision** – Keep records of why you accepted or refused the applicant
5. **Apply consistently** – Use the same criteria for all applicants
6. **Delete information** – Remove the credit information when it is no longer needed
7. **Be prepared to explain** – If the applicant asks why they were refused, provide a clear explanation

## What can a tenant do if refused?

If a tenant believes they have been refused due to poor creditworthiness without valid grounds, they can:

1. **Request a written explanation** – Ask the landlord why they were refused
2. **Check the credit information** – Request access to what information was used (right of data access under GDPR)
3. **Dispute incorrect information** – If the credit check contained errors, these can be corrected
4. **Report to the Data Inspection Authority** – If GDPR was not followed
5. **Contact the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden)** – If the contract is already signed and the terms are unfair
6. **Take legal action** – If discrimination is suspected, the matter can be taken to court

## Frequently asked questions

**Can the landlord require a credit check before I see the flat?**
No. A credit check should only be carried out when you are a serious applicant and the landlord is considering offering you the contract. The information must be obtained lawfully with your consent.

**Can the landlord refuse me permanently if I have poor credit history?**
No. A landlord must assess your current situation, not just your history. If you have stabilised your finances, you cannot be refused solely because of old problems. However, a landlord may take into account very recent payment defaults.

**What does a credit check cost?**
The landlord cannot require you to pay for the credit check. This cost is the landlord's responsibility. If a landlord demands payment for the check, this may breach mandatory tenant protection rules.

**Can I get a loan or guarantor to show I can pay the rent?**
Yes. If you have poor creditworthiness, you can offer a guarantor or a guarantee to show that the rent will be paid. Many landlords accept this as an alternative to a credit check. This is entirely lawful and often a good solution for both parties. A guarantor takes on the responsibility to pay if the tenant cannot, which significantly reduces the landlord's risk.

## Related articles

Read more about landlord rights and obligations:

- [How do you find a reliable tenant?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/find-tenants-throughout-sweden-your-complete-guide-for-secure-rentals-sweden)
- Can the landlord charge a fee for writing a contract?
- [Can the landlord demand advance payment?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/can-the-landlord-demand-rent-in-advance)
- [The Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden): how it works and your rights as a tenant](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/dispute-with-your-landlord-how-to-report-to-the-swedish-rent-tribunal)
- [What can the landlord deduct from the deposit?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/rental-deposit-sweden-rules-amount-2026)

*This text is general information and does not replace legal advice. In case of disputes, it is recommended to contact the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) or a lawyer.*