---
title: "Can you demand a rent reduction for poor ventilation?"
author: "William Wiklund"
authorUrl: "https://bofrid.com/en/articles/authors/william-wiklund"
datePublished: "2026-10-17T07:15:02.736Z"
dateModified: "2026-10-17T07:15:02.770Z"
description: "Yes, you can demand rent reduction for poor ventilation if it is a material defect. Read how to document, report and claim compensation from your landlord."
keywords: ["rent reduction poor ventilation", "tenant ventilation defect", "demand rent reduction ventilation", "poor ventilation flat", "landlord ventilation obligation", "rental flat ventilation problems"]
categories: ["General", "Guides"]
canonical: "https://bofrid.com/en/articles/can-you-demand-a-rent-reduction-for-poor-ventilation"
language: "en"
image: "https://bofrid.media/cms/54378526162cf2c5262361df00c9aea79f18bce2.webp"
---

# Can you demand a rent reduction for poor ventilation?

Yes, as a tenant you can demand a rent reduction if ventilation in your flat is poor, provided it constitutes a material defect in the dwelling. The landlord is under chapter 12, section 15 of the Land Code (jordabalken) obliged to keep the flat in such condition that it is, according to general opinion in the locality, fully usable for its intended purpose, which includes functional ventilation. The right to a rent reduction follows from chapter 12, sections 11 and 16 of the Land Code when the flat is in defective condition.

## Rent reduction for poor ventilation – what does the law say?

Poor ventilation can constitute a defect in the flat if it materially affects usability. It is a question of whether the problem makes the dwelling less suitable for its intended purpose. A flat without functioning ventilation can lead to moisture, mould and poor air quality – all of which affect both health and living comfort.

The landlord is responsible for keeping the flat in condition. If ventilation is defective and this is not due to the tenant's neglect, you may have the right to demand a rent reduction. The size of the reduction depends on how serious the defect is and how long it has been ongoing.

## What counts as poor ventilation?

Poor ventilation can take various forms:

- **Extract ventilation that does not work** – the fan does not run or does not draw air
- **Supply air that is blocked** – vents are covered or clogged
- **Moisture and mould** – occurs due to insufficient air circulation
- **Bad smell** – a sign that air is not circulating
- **Condensation on windows** – indicator of excessive humidity

Completely non-functional ventilation is clearly a defect. Ventilation that works poorly but not completely is a grey area – it depends on the degree of functional failure.

## Rent reduction for poor ventilation – step by step

Here is how you proceed to demand a rent reduction:

1. **Document the problem** – Take photos and notes about when ventilation does not work, which rooms are affected and what symptoms you see (moisture, mould, smell)
2. **Report the defect in writing** – Send a letter or email to the landlord describing the problem clearly and asking for action
3. **Give the landlord time to remedy** – Normally the landlord should have reasonable time to repair
4. **If nothing happens – demand rent reduction** – Send another letter demanding reduction from the date you first reported the defect
5. **State a reasonable amount** – Suggest a reduction that corresponds to the reduced usability of the dwelling
6. **Contact the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) if there is disagreement** – If the landlord refuses you can apply for settlement

## Comparison: different ventilation problems and what applies

| Scenario | What applies | Possible rent reduction |
|----------|---|---|
| Extract ventilation completely absent | Material defect, landlord must remedy | Significant reduction |
| Ventilation works poorly but partially | Defect, but less serious | Minor reduction |
| Vent blocked by furniture (tenant's fault) | Not landlord's responsibility | None |
| Moisture and mould due to poor ventilation | Material defect if it affects health | Significant reduction |
| Ventilation works but is noisy | Minor defect, can demand action | Small reduction |

## How much can you demand in reduction?

The Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) assesses rent reduction on a case-by-case basis. There is no fixed percentage, but the principle is that the reduction should correspond to the loss in value of the dwelling.

Completely non-functional ventilation can justify a significant reduction in rent. Ventilation that works poorly but not completely can justify a minor reduction. Minor problems can justify a symbolic reduction. The exact level is determined based on the circumstances of the individual case.

The reduction is calculated from the date you first reported the defect, not from when you demand reduction. It is important to document when the problem began.

## Landlord's obligations

The landlord must:

- Keep the ventilation system in working order
- Remedy defects within reasonable time after notification
- Pay for repairs (it is not the tenant's responsibility)
- Accept rent reduction if the defect is material

The landlord cannot say that ventilation is the tenant's problem to solve, unless this is expressly stated in the contract and the tenant has accepted it.

## What can prevent your right to reduction?

Your right to rent reduction can be questioned if:

- **You caused the problem** – If you blocked vents or damaged the system
- **You did not report the defect** – The landlord cannot remedy something he does not know about
- **You refused remedial action** – If the landlord offered to repair and you refused
- **The contract says something else** – Some contract terms can limit your right (but many are invalid)

## Frequently asked questions

**Can the landlord refuse to repair the ventilation?**
No. The landlord is obliged to keep the flat in condition. If ventilation is broken the landlord must repair it. You cannot be forced to pay for the repair yourself.

**How long must I wait before I can demand rent reduction?**
You can demand reduction immediately after you have reported the defect and the landlord has not remedied it within reasonable time. What is reasonable depends on how extensive the work is. If it is a major job it can take longer.

**Can I repair the ventilation myself and deduct the cost from the rent?**
It is risky. You should not carry out major repairs yourself without the landlord's consent. Instead report the defect in writing and demand rent reduction if the landlord does not remedy it.

**What do I do if the landlord does not accept my rent reduction?**
Contact the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden). You can apply for settlement or bring an action. The Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) assesses whether the defect is material and what reduction is reasonable.

## Related articles

Read more about your rights as a tenant:

- Can the tenant demand rent reduction for defects?
- [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)
- Can you refuse a tenant for poor creditworthiness?
- [Market rents – what is that?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/market-rents-what-are-they)

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