---
title: "What does it cost to break a subletting contract early?"
author: "Philip Rönnmark"
authorUrl: "https://bofrid.com/en/articles/authors/philip-ronnmark"
datePublished: "2026-10-25T07:15:02.012Z"
dateModified: "2026-10-25T07:15:02.041Z"
description: "The cost of breaking a subletting contract early depends on what the agreement says. Read what you must pay and how to do it correctly."
keywords: ["subletting contract break early cost", "early termination subletting contract", "penalty fee subletting contract", "notice period subletting contract", "break subletting contract"]
categories: ["Guides", "Landlord"]
canonical: "https://bofrid.com/en/articles/what-does-it-cost-to-break-a-subletting-contract-early"
language: "en"
image: "https://bofrid.media/cms/36762f516cd673539b9d40086ee1a82b6b13516e.webp"
---

# What does it cost to break a subletting contract early?

## Break subletting contract early – cost depends on the agreement

The cost of breaking a subletting contract early is determined by what the parties have agreed. There is no fixed statutory compensation. If the contract says nothing about early termination, you can end it with the notice period (uppsägningstid) that the agreement requires – but you are then obliged to pay rent until the notice period expires, even if you no longer live there.

## What does the agreement say?

The subletting contract is an agreement between you and the primary tenant (förstahandshyresgäst). The agreement determines what applies. Many subletting contracts contain a clause about what happens if you want to leave early – for example, that you must pay a certain sum or that you must find a replacement.

Read your contract carefully. It should state:

- How long the notice period is
- Whether there is any penalty fee for early termination
- Whether you must find a replacement
- What happens to your deposit (deposition)

## Break subletting contract early – common costs

| Scenario | What applies | Source |
|----------|--------------|--------|
| Nothing specially agreed about early termination | You pay rent during the notice period, then you are free | The agreement between you and the primary tenant |
| The agreement says you must find a replacement | You are obliged to seek a replacement; until then you pay rent | The agreement |
| Penalty fee is agreed | You pay the sum stated in the agreement | The agreement |
| You break the contract without notice | You may be liable to pay rent for the entire remaining term of the contract | The agreement and general contract law |

## Notice period and rent payment

The most common cost when you break a subletting contract is that you must pay rent during the notice period. If the notice period is two months and you terminate the contract immediately, you pay rent for two more months – regardless of whether you live there or not.

The primary tenant cannot force you to stay longer than the agreement states, but they can require you to pay rent until the notice period expires. The primary tenant is liable to the property owner, and they can lose money if you stop paying.

## Replacement and responsibility

If your subletting contract says you must find a replacement before you can leave, it is your task to search for a new tenant. Until then you pay rent. The primary tenant cannot sublet the flat further without your approval – it depends on what the primary contract says.

When you find a replacement, the primary tenant must approve them. The primary tenant cannot refuse without reasonable grounds.

## Penalty fee and other terms

As a subtenant, you may have agreed a penalty fee for early termination. This could be, for example, one month's rent or a certain percentage of the remaining contract term. This cost is binding if it is clearly agreed.

Also check whether the agreement says anything about:

- Cleaning and restoration of the flat
- Furniture and fittings that you have installed
- Deposit and security

These costs may be added when you finally leave the flat.

## Checklist: How to break your subletting contract correctly

1. **Read the agreement** – Find all terms about notice period and early termination.
2. **Calculate the notice period** – Determine which date you can be free, counting from the notice period.
3. **Write notice** – Send written notice to the primary tenant. Keep proof that it was sent.
4. **Pay rent** – Continue paying rent during the notice period, even if you have already moved.
5. **Find a replacement** (if the agreement requires it) – Start searching immediately. Present candidates to the primary tenant.
6. **Document cleaning** – Photograph the flat when you leave. Keep receipts for cleaning.
7. **Claim refund** – Send a written request for refund of the deposit with copies of your photographs.
8. **Keep all correspondence** – Retain all emails and letters from the primary tenant.

## Frequently asked questions

**Can I end my subletting contract without paying anything?**

It depends on the agreement. If you terminate the contract with the correct notice period and the agreement contains no penalty fee, you only need to pay rent during the notice period. You cannot avoid that cost.

**What happens if I leave without giving notice?**

You then break the agreement and may be liable to pay rent for the entire remaining term of the contract. The primary tenant can also claim compensation for other losses. This is very expensive – avoid it.

**Can the primary tenant refuse my notice?**

No, if you give the correct notice period according to the agreement. The primary tenant cannot force you to stay, but they can require you to pay rent until the notice period expires.

**Do I get my deposit back when I leave?**

Yes, if the flat is in the same condition as when you moved in. The primary tenant can deduct costs for damage or cleaning. Demand a written account of what has been deducted and why.

## Related articles

- [What does it cost to break a rental contract?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/what-does-it-cost-to-break-a-rental-contract)
- [Can you terminate a subletting contract whenever you want?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/can-you-terminate-a-subletting-contract-whenever-you-want)
- [Can the landlord end a subletting contract early?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/can-a-landlord-end-a-subletting-contract-early)
- [What does it cost to get your deposit back?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/what-does-it-cost-to-get-your-deposit-back)
- [Rental contract before moving in: what should you check?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/rental-contract-before-moving-in-what-to-check)

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