---
title: "Can your landlord require first month's rent in advance?"
author: "Philip Rönnmark"
authorUrl: "https://bofrid.se/en/articles/authors/philip-ronnmark"
datePublished: "2026-10-04T07:15:04.690Z"
dateModified: "2026-10-04T07:15:04.712Z"
description: "Yes, landlords can require first month's rent in advance before you move in. It's legal and standard practice on the rental market."
keywords: ["first month's rent in advance", "landlord advance payment requirements", "rent payment before moving in", "rental agreement advance payment", "deposit vs advance rent"]
categories: ["Landlord", "Guides"]
canonical: "https://bofrid.se/en/articles/can-your-landlord-require-first-month-s-rent-in-advance"
language: "en"
image: "https://bofrid.media/cms/83646f32ccd80394c33be2123c5ba571831b13ba.webp"
---

# Can your landlord require first month's rent in advance?

Yes, your landlord can require first month's rent in advance. This is common practice in rental agreements, and there is nothing that prohibits it. Under the privatuthyrningslagen (Private Tenancies Act, 2026:772), rent must be fixed in amount when the agreement is made, but the law says nothing that prevents advance payment for the first month.

## Can your landlord require first month's rent in advance?

When you sign a rental agreement, it is entirely normal for your landlord to require you to pay the first month's rent before you move in. This is an established practice on the rental market and nothing that breaches current rules.

The privatuthyrningslagen (Private Tenancies Act, 2026:772) Chapter 2, Section 1 states that "rent shall be fixed in amount" when the agreement is made. However, the law says nothing that prohibits the landlord from requiring advance payment for the first month. It is therefore entirely permitted.

## What is the difference between advance payment and deposit?

It is important to distinguish between two different concepts:

**Advance payment for the first month** is simply the rent you pay before you move in. It is payment for the first month you live in the flat.

**Deposit** (deposition) is security that the landlord can require to cover any damage or outstanding rent when you move out. The deposit is regulated in the Land Code (jordabalken) Chapter 12 and is a completely separate payment from the rent.

You can therefore expect to pay both first month's rent in advance and a deposit before you receive the keys to the flat.

## Can your landlord require first month's rent in advance – what does the agreement say?

Your rental agreement should clearly state when rent is to be paid. Most landlords require first month's rent to be paid before moving in. This is an entirely normal and legal practice.

If the agreement says nothing about when rent is to be paid, the standard is that rent is paid in advance for each month. This means you pay for the coming month before the month begins.

## Common payment scenarios

| Scenario | What applies | Note |
|----------|--------------|------|
| First month's rent before moving in | Entirely permitted | Landlord can require this |
| Rent paid in advance each month | Standard | This is normal market practice |
| Rent paid in arrears | Uncommon | Must be agreed separately |
| Deposit in addition to first month's rent | Permitted | Is separate security |

## Checklist: How to prepare to pay first month's rent

1. **Read the agreement carefully** – Check when rent is to be paid and what amount applies.
2. **Ask the landlord about payment method** – Is it bank transfer, Swish or something else?
3. **Confirm payment in writing** – Make sure you receive a receipt or confirmation that payment has been received.
4. **Plan your finances** – Budget for both first month's rent and deposit before you can move in.
5. **Keep receipts** – Retain all payment evidence for your own records.
6. **Ask about other costs** – Check if there are service charges, insurance or other fees in addition to rent.
7. **Clarify the terms** – Make sure everything is agreed in writing before you pay anything.

## Can your landlord require more than first month's rent in advance?

The landlord cannot require more than first month's rent as advance payment for the first month. If the landlord tries to require two or three months' rent in advance for the first month, this is not permitted.

What is often confused is the deposit. The landlord can require a deposit as security, but this is a separate payment from the rent. The deposit is not part of the rent but security that is returned when you move out.

## What if you cannot pay first month's rent?

If you cannot pay first month's rent before moving in, you can try to negotiate with the landlord. Some landlords are willing to make exceptions, but this is not something you can demand.

If you have difficulty raising the money, you can:

- Talk to the landlord about a payment plan
- Ask if it is possible to pay the deposit later
- Check if you are entitled to housing benefit or other financial support

However, it is important to understand that the landlord is not obliged to accept any of this. First month's rent in advance is an entirely normal and legal requirement.

## Frequently asked questions

**Can the landlord require two months' rent in advance for the first month?**
No, the landlord can only require first month's rent as advance payment. If the landlord tries to require two months' rent in advance for the first month, this is not permitted. A deposit is, however, a separate payment.

**Is advance payment for the first month the same as a deposit?**
No, these are two completely different things. Advance payment is the rent for the first month that you pay before you move in. A deposit is security that the landlord can require to cover any damage or outstanding rent.

**What should I do if the landlord requires an unusually large advance payment?**
Contact the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) or seek legal advice. You can also read more about what the landlord can require at https://bofrid.com/en/articles/can-the-landlord-demand-rent-in-advance.

**Can I get first month's rent back if I do not move in?**
It depends on the agreement and the circumstances. If you do not move in according to the agreement, the landlord can in many cases keep the money. Read the agreement carefully and discuss this with the landlord before you pay.

## Related articles

Read more about landlord rights and your obligations:

- [Can the landlord require advance payment?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/can-the-landlord-demand-rent-in-advance)
- Renting without proof of employment: What can the landlord require?
- [What can the landlord deduct from the deposit?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/rental-deposit-sweden-rules-amount-2026)
- [Reasonable rent 2026: how to calculate the right rent](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/rental-levels-2026-guide-to-reasonable-rent-for-bostadsratt-and-how-to-calculate-capital-costs-i)

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