Introduction

At OH-Stay.com, we have compiled this resource to assist our hosts in understanding their responsibilities and to offer a general overview of the legal, regulatory, and practical considerations pertinent to hosting. Hosts are required to adhere to our Hosting Standards and to ensure full compliance with all laws and regulations applicable to their specific location and situation. Please note that this article is not comprehensive and does not constitute legal or tax advice. We advise hosts to conduct their own due diligence, as the information provided may not be updated in real time. Ultimate responsibility for verifying, interpreting, and complying with all information presented herein rests with the host.

Table of contents

• Health and Cleanliness

• Local Regulations

• National Taxes

• Regulations and Permissions

• Safety

• Good Manners

• Insurance

• Other Hosting Information

Health and Cleanliness

Information about OH-Stay.com’s cleaning protocols can be found in our Responsible Hosting Guide.

Key recommendations on cleaning in Sweden

• Public Health Agency of Sweden (Folkhälsomyndigheten): general guidance & infection control

• ECDC (EU): non-pharmaceutical measures & cleaning resources

• European Commission: EU guidance for tourism services & health protocols

National Taxes

Tax is a complex topic. Your obligations vary based on your circumstances, so consider researching your situation or consulting a qualified tax professional.

In general, income you earn as a host on OH-Stay.com is taxable and may be subject to income tax and, where applicable, VAT. You can view your earnings in your OH-Stay.com earnings summary.

Key dates & filing

• Sweden’s annual income tax return is typically due by 2 May. See the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) for details: Inkomstdeklaration 1.

• Learn how to declare income from renting out: Skatteverket – Hyresinkomster.

Platform reporting (DAC7)

• Digital platforms may be required by law to report seller income to Skatteverket. Read more at Skatteverket – Plattformar (DAC7).

Local Regulations

Local rules can vary by municipality (kommun) and by housing type (e.g., tenancy, tenant-owned apartment, detached house). Always verify with your municipality and housing association/landlord:

• Find your municipality: Sweden’s official portal – Kommuner

• Building & planning guidance: Boverket

Regulations and Permissions

Ensure you are permitted to host at your property. Restrictions can arise from contracts, laws, and community rules. Use the guidance below as a starting point and seek legal advice if needed.

Contractual agreements and permits

Review leases, co-op/association by-laws (bostadsrättsförening), and building rules. Obtain required consents from your landlord or association board where necessary.

Mortgage restrictions

If the property is mortgaged, confirm with your lender that subletting/short-term hosting is allowed.

Subsidised housing restrictions

Social/subsidised housing often prohibits subletting without permission. Check with your housing authority or association.

Housemates

Consider a written housemate agreement covering hosting frequency, guest etiquette, and revenue sharing.

EU consumer protection law

If you offer services to consumers online, ensure compliance with EU/Swedish consumer rules. See the European Commission’s overview: Consumer protection in the EU and Sweden’s consumer agency: Konsumentverket.

Safety

We care about the safety of hosts and guests. Improve peace of mind by preparing emergency instructions and noting any potential hazards.

Emergency contact information
Provide:

• Sweden emergency number 112

• Nearest hospital contact

• Your phone number

• A backup contact

Guests can also contact you via OH-Stay.com messages as a secure alternative.

Medical supplies

• Keep a first aid kit, inform guests where it is, and restock as needed.

Fire and gas safety

• If you have gas appliances, follow applicable safety regulations and install a working carbon monoxide detector.

• Provide and maintain a fire extinguisher.

• Post a clear fire escape route map.

Hazard prevention

• Inspect for trip/fall hazards and remove or clearly mark them

• Fix exposed wires

• Ensure stairs have secure railings

• Remove or lock away dangerous items

Child safety

• Use your OH-Stay.com listing to disclose hazards or indicate if the home isn’t suitable for children/infants.

Climate control

• Ensure proper ventilation

• Provide safe-use instructions for heating/air conditioning

• Check the thermostat and show guests where it is

• Service appliances regularly

Occupancy limits

Follow safe occupancy practices and any municipal guidance.

Good Manners

Help guests understand local customs and community expectations.

Building rules

Share rules for common areas and amenities. Provide clear instructions for sorting waste and local recycling rules.

House rules

Add house rules in the “Additional notes” section of your OH-Stay.com listing so expectations are clear from the start.

Neighbors

Consider informing neighbors that you host and address concerns proactively.

Noise

Set quiet hours and consider policies such as no parties, no additional unregistered guests, and—if needed—no pets.

Parking

Explain local/house parking rules (assigned spaces, street-cleaning times, overnight limits).

Pets

Check lease/association rules. If allowing pets, share local exercise areas, waste-disposal guidance, and a nearby kennel contact.

Privacy

Respect guest privacy. Be transparent about any permitted security devices. For Swedish privacy and camera rules, see the Authority for Privacy Protection (IMY): Camera surveillance.

Smoking

If prohibited, post clear signage. If allowed, provide ashtrays in designated areas.

Insurance

Work with your insurance agent or carrier to determine obligations, limits, and coverage appropriate for your situation. Basic protections (e.g., damage or liability cover) do not replace adequate homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Review your policy to confirm short-term rental activities are covered.

Liability and basic coverage

Review your homeowner’s or renter’s policy with your insurer to ensure adequate liability coverage and property protection for hosting.

Other Hosting Information

For additional help, visit our Hosting FAQs.

Important: Hosts are solely responsible for their conduct and compliance. OH-Stay.com does not control individual host behavior and disclaims liability. Failure to meet responsibilities may result in suspension or removal from OH-Stay.com. OH-Stay.com is not responsible for the reliability or accuracy of information on third-party sites linked in this resource.