Children's safety in Sweden

December 14, 2012 was a tragic day in Newton, CT. Due to our transparent and viral media world today, most of the world was affected as we watched the news, trying to understand how such an unimaginable situation could have occurred.

When we show expats from all over the world housing, it is hard to not get familiar.  We are intrinsically involved in a family's very important and personal decision--deciding where to live. Naturally, the question of safety often comes up. Everytime, this topic comes up I am reminded how lucky we are in Sweden. My children have taken the bus, tube and train on their own since they were 8 years old. My 5-year old is outside by himself in our yard, our older kids ride their bikes to and from friends houses and this is normal. Compared to many of my Swedish friends, I am still considered over-protective.  Perhaps, a lingering reminder of my upbringing in the United States where I could ride my bike in my immediate neighborhood, but no further; a classmate in 6th grade was nearly abducted on her way to school; kids kidnapped at the local mall and the school spent a lot of time educating us what to do if approached by a stranger. "Stranger Danger" was a catch phrase.

Driving my 16-year old daughter home from school today, I asked her if they had ever had a lock down drill in school.  She looked at me perplexed and asked "what's a lock down drill?".  I hope lock down drills will not become the "new reality" in Sweden because knock on wood, we have never had a Columbine or a Newton tragedy. I hope we never will.  I hope that 10 years from now, I will still be able to relay to the incoming expats that children are safe in Sweden.  I hope that our children can be children in Sweden and not have to worry about being gunned down in their school or kidnapped on their way to school. Childhood should be innocent and worry free.

Swedish Lucia for Dummies

This video really says it all! As an expat, it can be hard to understand what Lucia is all about.  This video takes you through the history and explains the phenomenon in a really funny way. 

 http://vimeo.com/55253944

Swedish Lucia For Dummies

vimeo.com

Lucia Day – a feast of candlelit processions, saffron buns, mulled wine and talking animals. Here’s how to make the most of it.

Furniture rental in Stockholm

You found your new home. Check. Contracts have been signed. Check. Kids have been accepted to Stockholm International School. Check. Your furniture at home has been packed and shipped and will arrive in 8 weeks. Oh no, uncheck....

We see that usually there is a disconnect between your arrival and your furniture arriving.  Especially if you are moving from Asia or Australia. So, what to do? Most people broker an interim solution and rent furniture and other household items from a provider called Live Let Living. Their staff will furnish your home and then remove everything when your furniture arrive.  They are literally like Santa's elves at Christmas. Therefore, fret not over the gap of being without furniture and other household items, do as your expat predecessors have done, outsource!

Here are some sample pictures of what Live Let Living's elves have done in the past.  For a quote, contact them directly at www.letliving.se

Do Swedes get snow days?

In the U.S. schools shut down, government closes and towns are ghost towns if even a little snow falls.  Mostly driven by their mal-practice culture more than anything else as I do believe that most Americans are just as equipped as Swedes are to handle snow.

It takes a lot to stop a Swede due to snow. Today, in Stockholm, I have to admit that we have not been infallible. Most of our public transportation has shut down, schools have asked parents to pick up their children and many people are stranded. Flights cannot land nor take off at Stockholm's airport, again very unusual.

I hope that the inclement weather today shatters our shyness and encourages everyone to help their fellow man and neighbor.  If you have a snow blower, offer a neighbor a helping hand. If your colleague cannot get home today, offer your home.  If you have a car that gets through the snow, pick up those stranded along the way. Today is not the day to be a solitary and reserved Swede.

A Furnished Sublet--What is included?

What does it entail to rent a furnished home?

If you are looking at furnished rentals, keep in mind that it is rare to cherry pick of what you would like to keep. Usually, the owner has opted to rent out their home furnished since they do not want to incur the cost of renting stoage space. So, we have put together a list for both tenants and landlords of what is expected of a furnished sublet in Sweden.  If there is something that is crucial to you regarding inventory, make sure it gets into the contract as you cannot come back and renegotiate regarding inventory after you have moved in. That is how Danes work in a negotiation, but that is another blog entry altogether...

Definition of a furnished home.
The rule of thumb is that the tenant should be able move into the rental with a suitcase and their clothes on their back and comfortably live there for year. Hence all conveniences that you enjoy should be available. The list below is a suggested minimum requirement, but also keep in mind that it will vary depending on how may people there are in the tenant's family.

Generally:
Curtains and/or blinds in every window
Ceiling and floor lamps in every room
2 sets of bed linen for each bed
2 pillows for every bed
1 duvet per bed
1 matress cover per bed
4 bath towels per person
2 hand towels per person
4 kitchen towels
Vacuum cleaner
Ironing board
Iron
Bucket and mop
Kitchen depending on the family's size):
Dining table
2 - 6  chairs dependent on the size of the home
Garbage can
6 knives
6 forks
6 table spoons.
6 teaspoons
6 cups
6 plates
6 glasses
2 pots
1 frying pans
1 spatula
1 cooking spoon
1 whip
1 collander
Bowls for food preparation
Coffee maker
Tin opener
Cork screw
Scissors
Livingroom:
1 sofa
1 coffeetable
Rug
1 TV + cabinet or stand
Bedroom (per bedroom):
1 complete bed >140 cm wide (children's rooms are ok with smaller)
1 night stand/table
Closets
1 dresser/chest of drawers if there are no shelves or drawers in the closets.
Bathroom:
Waste basket
Toilet brush
Shower curtain if applicable

Keep in mind, that if nothing else has been agreed upon, the apartment will have to be cleared of all of your personal belongings, e.g. decoratives, books, cd's, dvd's, etc. All closets and storage spaces will have to be emptied. Do not leave things as for example old electronics, clothing, shoes, bags, etc.

For more tips regarding renting an apartment or house in Sweden, please visit www.residensportalen.com

The Swedish Rudeness

I used to say that I knew I had landed at Arlanda airport by the reception at the baggage belt. I am not a big girl but my bags usually are.  As I struggled to drag the largest bags allowed on international carriers off the baggage belt, falling backwards and nearly being buried underneath my heap of luggage, I would frantically look around for help only to by met by curiosity. If I was a mind reader, I'd say the thoughts that were running through my co-travelers minds were along the lines of "hmmm, I wonder if she will fall down or if she will conquer the luggage". Whenever, I was in the same situation in other countries, people would rush to my assistance. The fact that one should be able to manage one's own luggage perhaps is another debate all together but the bottom line to me remains: Why are Swedish people so rude?

You may already have encountered being shoved in the street by someone in a hurry.  Do not expect "sorry, didn't see you", you are more likely to get a glare that states "get out of my way already". A colleague nearly got assaulted after daring to voice "dude, are you serious?" to a man who cut an entire check-in cue at the airport. In other words, don't rock the boat.

Doors can often be slammed in your face because the person in front of you simply did not think of taking the time to hold it for you.  Your neighbors are not apt to come over and welcome you when you move in or say hi to you after living on the same street for quite some time.

So, the bottom line is,  are we an immensely rude culture? No, I do not think that we are.  However, we are taught a dichotomy from an early age. Self reliant man is strong ("Ensam man är stark") while also being taught that the State will take care of everything. Therefore, the mindset of shared responsibility is lost.  Whenever I broach this topic with my fellow countrymen the response is pretty unanimous: "we really don't mean to be rude". Most of my male friends explain that they would never help a woman with her luggage since they fear insulting her in the egalitarian nation that we have aspired to become. The same goes for holding up doors. Other explanations given are that they do not want to butt in, stick out, disturb or get involved. Many of my friends express that they like it when someone is extroverted and gets involved or reaches out but that they themselves don't feel comfortable going beyond the cultural norm.  Maybe we simply suffer from nationwide shyness?

Secret Tips for Stockholm Denizens

So, you have arrived and the quest begins to find preferred providers.  I certainly know that this can be a long journey.  Therefore, we have compiled a few of our favorites.

After moving to Sweden in 2003 I flew to Washington D.C. for 2 years to get my hair done.  Needless to say, my highlights were pretty expensive. 9 years later and many bad haircuts later I have a great hairdresser.  To be styled by the team that gives make-overs to Sweden's next top models, call Corinne and Friends. Located in Sturegallerian, you can get some good shopping in as well! I have tried several of the stylists including Corinne herself and have always been pleased with the result.  http://corinneandfriends.se/

To decorate your new home, visit Oscar and Clothilde on Styrmansgatan 12 or visit their web shop, http://www.oscarclothilde.com/se . They have a lot of unique pieces and can accent the decor of your new abode.

To dress your little ones or to find top notch baby presents, visit Floralin & Junior on the children's floor of NK, Hamngatan 18-20 or check out their blogg. http://www.floralin.blogg.se . They have the cutest children's apparel, including suits for little boys.

Last, but not least, if you are craving Twizzlers, Jiffy, Skittles, Stouffer's stuffing or other American flavors.  Visit American Taste Away at Torsvik Centrum on Herserudsvägen 1 on Lidingö.

We will continue to compile our secret tips for our new arrivals.  What secret tips for Stockholm denizens have you discovered?

Being an Expat-Unknown expectations

Coming to a new country we have things that we know will be difficult.  Those are what we refer to as known expectations.  We know that the housing will be different, research and education by relocation or letting agents have set our expectations where they need to be. We know that banking may be different, that roads sign are new and we know that the grocery store won't have everything we are used to from home.  This we know.

After lunch yesterday with a seasoned expat I was reminded of the underlying things in expat life that we do not always acknowledge.  This woman qualifies as a seasoned expat since Sweden is certainly not her first expat assignement, there have been several tours in other European and Asian countries. This is what we refer to in the office as a seasoned expat.  Culture shock will be less in this group, the melancholy will be less than for the first time expat as this category have become seasoned in how to align their expectations. We had a lovely lunch and I asked her how she was settling in and if there had been anything that had surprised her in her first month as a resident.  Her response was "the expectations I did not know I had" and it was so poignant and a good reminder.  "The expectations I did not know I had" really sums up the emotional curve balls that come out of left field as an expat. I once planned an entire trip to Dubai around a Taco Bell visit. The hotel's location was determined by Taco Bell's proximity and for weeks I planned what I would order.  This is one of the things I missed terribly from my 16 years in the States.   I had not been back "home" to America in five years and this Taco Bell visit was much anticipated.

I knew that I would have culture shock in Dubai.  I am not a Muslim.  I don't speak Arabic.  I had never been there before. I expected to reflect over burkas. I expected to not be understood everywhere and I certainly expected to try new exotic food. The Taco Bell obsession was a symbol of yearning for the familiar, the fix that I had up my sleeve when the other culture shocks intensified.  However, the Taco Bell visit in Dubai Mall was a huge disappointment.  No 7-Layer Burrito on the menu and the Nachos Bellgrande did not taste anything like they do in the States.  This is a classic of the unknown expectations phenomenon.  In hindsight, it was probably a bit silly for me to expect that Taco Bell in Dubai would taste the same as in America but I was so sad and disappointed at the time that I had an unnatural reaction--I was close to tears.

As you settle into Sweden, keep in mind that easing into a new culture and society comes with curve balls and they usually come in the form of the things you had not even thought about in terms of ungrounding you.  Keep in mind, that the things that disappoint and irritate you the most as a recent expat to Sweden are probably the things you will miss the most when you go back home.  However, if you are an excellent Tex-Mex chef, please do open a restaurant in Stockholm.  I'll come every day!

Being smart-Best practices for subletting in Sweden

So, you finally found your home.  You are giddy and you call the landlord bursting with excitement only to be told "sorry, I chose someone else".  It is disappointing and enervating and it can make you feel like laying down on the ground, kicking and screaming due to the sheer frustration.  Breathe, accept and move on.  Learn from it.

When looking at properties keep in mind that what you saw 5 minutes ago may be rented out to someone else after you closed their door and thanked them for the showing.  The rental market, especially in Stockholm, is tough and not for the feeble.  But you can come out a champion if you apply the following:

1. Listen to the experts.  If you are working with a relocation or letting agent you are in good hands and have received a game plan before your day of visiting properties.
2. If you are on your own.  Educate yourself in order to get the most out of your day. If you have 3-5 choices, that is good.  Figure out beforehand how long it takes to get to  public transportation, get information about the area and have a clear sense of your budget restraints.
3. Time is of the essence.  If you are not the sole decision maker, ensure that your partner is with you when you visit properties. We have seen so many times that both decision makers do not come to the showings and they have lost the property while they wait for their partner to look at pictures or fly in to look at the home. If you do not want to make the decision on your own, wait until you can look together.
4. When you know it, say it. If you see a property that you like: don't wait, don't stop, don't pass go.  Well, you get the picture.  As soon as you make your intent known, the better your chances are of securing the property. Landlords in Stockholm can have their pick of the litter they tend to pick the most uncomplicated tenant. Therefore, keep it simple.  Tenants that have requests beyond renting it as it is, tend to increase their risk of getting weeded out.

Ska du hyra ut? Att tänka på vid en visning.

Det är lätt att sabotera en visning omedvetet.  Det som du själv tycker är väldigt säljande med din bostad kanske inte är det för den potentiella hyresgästen. Personen som tittar kanske hellre vill titta i lugn och ro och kan finna det irriterande med för mycket "säljande från hyresvärden".  Vi har sett detta genom åren många gånger att hyresvärden i största välmening har sänkt sin egen visning.

Tänk själva när ni har tittat på ert hus eller lägenhet som ni har köpt.  Ägaren är inte hemma.  Ägarens personlighet syns ofta inte i inredningen.  Mäklaren låter oftast spekulanter traska runt själva och ansluter vid rätt tillfälle för att fråga om det har uppkommit frågor.

När vi förmedlar våra kunders bostäder så är ingen visning den samma.  Oftast har vi nycklar och fått väsentlig information från den sökande om vad de söker och vad de inte vill ha.  Vissa vill ha mycket vägledning under visningar andra vill bli helt lämnade ifred. Om vi visar din bostad och pratar oavbrutet om förvaringsmöjligheter eller uppvärmningskostnader så är det av en anledning.  Att vara en skicklig förmedlare bygger mycket på en otrolig fingertoppskänsla och många års erfarenhet.  När ni överväger att anlita en hyresförmedlare, fråga hur de jobbar samt hur många års erfarenhet de har.  Det kommer spela stor roll i hur fort ni får er bostad uthyrd samt kvaliten på er hyresgäst.  Mer att läsa om visningar finns på: http://www.residensportalen.se/goda-rad/att-hyra-ut-i-andra-hand/ . Ni är alltid välkomna att ringa oss för mer vägledning på 08-7550121.

Relocation Trends-Future of mobility?

People often ask us what we are noticing as trends in  mobility to and from Sweden.  It certainly has changed in the last 10 years.  This is our 10th summer working as sublet brokers.  We have properties in all of Sweden but primarily in Stockholm, Malmö and Göteborg.  www.residensportalen.com

On a positive side, more Swedes are renting out their properties vis a vis selling them or leaving them vacant.  The government has also eased a tiny bit in their taxation of rental properties and more people are gaining an interest in "ägarlägenheter" which are apartments with separate titles and no rules regarding renting them out. This has resulted in more properties being available to rent.

On the flip side, the expatriates that come to Sweden to find housing have grown more demanding in terms of the standard of housing available.  Five to seven years ago expatriates had to make do with a house that had wallpaper fraying and had old appliances since the market was so limited.  Now, with more choices, not only in Sweden, the same expatriate will not rent such a house and if nothing is to his/her liking they may not move to Sweden all together.

As the world is shrinking due to how connected we are virally with Facebook, Twitter, E-mail, Skype, Blogs etc etc have we become less mobile? Or, have we simply become more selective in the adventures we subject our families to when it comes to making big overseas moves? We think the next few years will demonstrate changes in mobility not only due to the technological leaps made in the past years but also as companies become more and more fiscally accountable. The cost of moving a family for two years may no longer be worth it.

Stockholm Deserted--Where is everyone?!?

After midsummer in Sweden, it is like pushing a button.  Restaurants & some boutiques close until mid-August. If you need to get something done, workwise, best get it done before the end of June.  Big corporations are deserted, entire finance departments may go on holiday at the same time and if you are in need of assistance you may find yourself waiting until August. 

Every year I scratch my head at this phenomenon.  As a smaller corporation, we certainly cannot afford to leave our customers hanging for weeks.  Just because it is July does not mean that people stop coming to Sweden in need of housing.  Yet, somehow it happens year after year.  The "industrial" country wide vacation is holy, much similar to the French's vacation time in August. Perhaps, though it is not so crazy.  Our economy is fairly healthy comparatively to other economies in the world that are struggling.

If this frustrates you as a newcomer to Sweden, you will be amused that next summer you may take your 5-week vacation equally seriously. Anyway, Residensportalen has staggered our vacations.  Someone will be available between Monday to Friday all of July and August to assist you. I will visit a counterpart in Beijing to look at the housing situation there and get updates on what the Chinese are looking for whilst abroad.  Blog entry on this to come. We hope you all are having a wonderful summer!

Inspections, Move-in day

We are nearing the big June-July shift where most people move in and out of our properties.  It is a big day for tenants and landlords and fairly exhausting for the realtors handling the move-ins/outs. Our recipe for succes is OUTSOURCE, DEVIL IN THE DETAILS, and BIG PICTURE THINKING.

Our job is to make sure that both landlords and tenants keep their eye on not only the details but also the big picture. The best thing to do, both for landlords turning over their homes as well as for tenants moving out, is to OUTSOURCE.  Do not attempt to clean yourself. Not only will you not be as thorough as a professional cleaning company but you will also regret it, bitterly when you are in panic mode at 3:00 am and the hand over is at 10:00 am.  Seriously,we bet your time is better spent on something else. There is nothing more frustrating than cleaning yourself and then not get the cleaning approved, that is 8-10 hours of your life that you will never get back. So, essentially, outsource from the get-go and save yourself the trouble.

BIG PICTURE and the DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS? How can we promote both?  Well, the devil is in the details when it comes to preparing instructional documents as a landlord for instance.  This document sets the tone that this is a professional turn over, that it is well prepared and giving the tenant the tools to live in and take care of the home. The relationship between tenant and landlord is important for both parties, don't lose sight of the big picture. We have witnessed both landlords and tenants act like children over silly details that in the big picture really are not important.  Like all relationships, tenant-landlord is a give and take relationship. Keep a respectful tone on the dialogue, show compassion and most importantly keep a good sense of humor.  That is good recipe for a good tenant-landlord relationship and move-in day usually sets the tone for the rest of the relationship.

Midsummer in Sweden

Midsummer day simply refers to the period of summer solstice. This is our longest day with sunlight and as Scandinavians that is something to celebrate!

Swedes are fairly well in tune to the rhythms of nature. At Midsummer, many begin their five-week annual holidays and everything must get done before they leave.  Midsummer Eve is celebrated in the countryside everywhere and on the day before, everyone leaves town, most things close around 2:00 PM and the streets are suddenly spookily deserted. If you want rockstar parking in Stockholm, this is the day to park your car unless you are going to Skansen where the city denizens celebrate.
The country’s highways, on the other hand, are packed. This is not the day to drive anywhere unless you have to.

We start the day by picking flowers and making wreaths to place on the maypole, which is a key component in the celebrations as well as head ornaments.

We raise the maypole in an open area and traditional ring-dances ensue, to the delight of the children and some of the adults. A typical Midsummer menu features different kinds of pickled herring, boiled new potatoes with fresh dill, sour cream and raw red onion. This is often followed by a grilled dish of some kind, such as spare rib or salmon, and for dessert the first strawberries of summer, with cream. The traditional drinks are cold beers and schnapps, preferably spiced. Every time the glasses are refilled, singing breaks out anew. Swedes like drinking songs and most of them don't make sense.

Unfortunately, Midsummer also brings country wide intoxication, traffic accidents and break-ins in houses.  The first two are hard to control but be savvy about your house.  Cut the grass before you leave so it seems as if someone is home. Leave toys (non-valuable) strewn in the yard.  If possible leave a car parked in the drive way.  Don't forget the alarm if you have one and don't forget to lock the shed.  Most importantly we hope you enjoy our Midsummer celebration!

Rental Prices-Swedish Market

Every market is different.  Some markets have rental prices that have taken into consideration haggling and negotiation.  In Sweden, the majority of the landlords actually set the price that they can accept and don't build in margins for haggling and negotiation.

We often see a disconnect between the expats that come to look at properties and the landlords.  It is important to only look at properties that actually fit your budget.  If your budget is 25.000 SEK per month, only look at properties up to 25.000 SEK per month.  If you see a property that is marketed at 27.000 SEK for instance, ask the owner prior to the showing of the property if it is acceptable for you to come and look with a budget at 25.000 SEK per month. As we have a limited rental market, it is crucial to get off on the right foot.

Swedish landlords generally do not appreciate potential tenants looking at properties that do not fit their budgets nor are they open to getting a bid 30% less than their asking price.  The market simply is not that elastic.  Some Swedish landlords may actually take offense and decide that they do not want to rent their property to that tenant all together, even after they return with a bid reflecting the asking price.  At that point, the damage is already done.

To those expats that have a relocation agent, we cannot stress the importance enough of heeding their advice when it comes to putting in a bid for a property.  They generally have a very good sense of what is possible and what is not. These are cultural differences that are hard to decipher as a newcomer to a country.  Swedes as a whole are not good negotiators and perhaps that is why we easily get offended when the shoe is on the other foot as well.  On the plus side what you see is what you get, price wise. On the selling market, it is a whole different ballgame all together and another equation is applied, there asking prices generally are 30% less than what the seller is willing to accept.

-Thank you FreeDigitalPhotos.net for the photo used in this post.

Residensportalen's exclusive deal with The Local

On June 8th, 2012 Residensportalen became the exclusive sponsor of The Local's Rentals section. The Local is for anyone who is interested in finding out what's going on in Sweden and who reads English. The readers in Sweden consist of foreigners from over a hundred nations, as well as Swedes looking for a different perspective on events and news.

Abroad, The Local has become required reading for people planning a move to Sweden, planning to visit or doing business with Sweden. It is also used as a resource by foreign journalists and researchers writing stories about Sweden, or looking for Sweden's perspective on the issues of the day.

We are thrilled to be a part of the site that facilitates in the preparation before moving and arrival in Sweden.  Happy reading.

Swedish Jealousy-The Law of Jante

The Law of Jante, or the Jantelag, is locally known as the 'famous Swedish Jealousy', describing the envy of anyone who breaks the Law of Jante, does well and pays no heed to the collective.  In http://residensportalen.blogspot.se/2012/05/lagom-swedish-mentality.html I touched on this phenomenon.

In America, for example, people truly applaud and enjoy other people's success.  In Sweden, you almost have to preface sharing your success with an apology. You may be perceived as arrogant if you toot your own horn, in other countries the same person will be perceived as a "go-getter".  On the flip side, it may be easier to be perceived as a super star, albeit arrogant, in Sweden because such a small percentage of the population is comfortable selling themselves.

If you send your child to private school or even worse, an expensive boarding school, you do not share that with everyone.  Private health care insurance is also frowned upon.  Why should anyone access better care or schools due to their financial standing?  The informal mantra of the opposing parties of the Socialist party was "the socialists wants everyone to have it equally bad".

However, the past five years has changed The Law of Jante.  The socialists have not been in power, media has much international influence and more Swedes are gaining an international perspective by  going abroad as expats. Swedes have become more comfortable with selling themselves.  More of us have started to view our person as a brand through Facebook, Twitter and blogging. Digital media may slowly erase the Swedish jealousy. What encounters have you had with the "Swedish jealousy"?

Get it in Writing--Contracts

It is so fundamental but how often one forgets.  One simply wants to think the best of people. BUT if it is of importance, get it in writing and formulate it well.  Many landlords and tenants are disappointed over things that did not quite go as they expected.  For instance how to care for the garden, an oak floor or a granite counter top.

Unfortunately, unless it is writing it can easily become "he said, she said".  Therefore, we advice our clients and give them templates for how to properly care for a home with specific instructions.  That way, things are clear and leaves little room for disagreements.  Naturally, there are always bad seeds that do not heed even written contracts and instructions.  However, if it is in writing you increase your chances of a smooth transaction and have a paper trail if a disagreement arises.  For more advice, click here: http://www.residensportalen.com/best-practices/

Corporate lease vs. Private Lease--Stockholm

We have touched on the fact that the rental market in Sweden is limited. When supply and demand are no aligned, a niche market can appear.  Since taxation laws in Sweden entail that being a landlord is not financially advantageous, the investment properties are few.  The typical rental property is owned by a family that is being moved abroad for an expat assignement.

Therefore, landlords can usually pick and choose to whom they rent to and large publicly noted companies are preferred.  So, what to do if your company will not sign the lease on your behalf? Ask them to sign a letter of guarantee of all rent and damages.  This will increase your chances of being chosen. Those with a company to sign the lease or ability to produce a letter of guarantee unfortunately will not be as popular of a tenant.

Fret not though, if you come prepared and make a good impression you should still find a suitable home.  You may not have as much to choose from as a corporate tenant per se but if you act quick and is amenable to the landlord you will find a home.

A mistake we have seen many times is when those coming from abroad have not received an explanation of our market.  When expectations are properly aligned, positive result usually ensue. Remember, your rental market or what you would get in your homeland is not relevant to the market you are entering. 

Swedish Welcome-How to be a good landlord

When turning over your home as a rental, it is important to remember that how you leave your home sets the tone.  Many landlords do not understand the importance of a well prepared hand over.  On Friday morning at 11:00 am Residensportalen received a call, an international client was in dire need of an exclusive property in Stockholm.

Our property owner was a tremendous sport and cleared out his home in two days of personal belongings and the home was cleaned.  In addition to this, he took the time to chill champagne, coordinate a fruit basket and put out a bowl of fresh strawberries. Well done to our attentive landlord!

We did an inspection of the property and handed over the home 48 hours after the first call came in.  Normally lead times are six weeks before a move-in but when push comes to shove, anything can be done.  To get more advice on how to be a good landlord, please check out our informational section here: http://www.residensportalen.com/best-practices/tips-when-subletting/

Stockholm Marathon

Today is Stockholm's Marathon.  A tradition started 1979. That first year 1.946 runners started and 1.799 finished that race.  This year 21.266 runners from 83 different countries have signed up to run.  Despite that Stockholmers at times find it annoying that the city shuts down and it is hard to get around once a year.  I think it is safe to say that we are proud that the Marathon has grown to such a big deal.  The route for the runners this year looks like this:

Channel 4 sends live coverage of from 11:45-15:25. Avoid driving in the city today, use public transportation or stay home as many roads will be closed and detour routes set up.

Subletting may get easier in Sweden!

Both expats and Swedes have a difficult time finding sublets due to our limited market.  We have found that people moving from Brussels and Singapore has the hardest time aligning their expectations to the market's reality.  One of the many reasons our rental market is so limited is due to the Boards of the  co-op associations in Sweden have a say in what you do with the apartment that you own.

In order for a co-op owner to rent out their property, they have to petition the board and get their tenant approved.  Not only can this be a lengthy process but some co-ops have the attitude that they do not want to have renters in the house since they assume that renters will not adhere to the house rules or engage in house projects.

Politicans are now putting forward a bill to restrict co-op Boards to excercise such power.  This is a very positive development for the rental market in Sweden; especially Stockholm, Göteborg and Malmö.  These cities have serious housing shortages.

We are hopeful and optimistic that if this bill passes, more apartment owners will sublet their homes resulting in a better market for all.  Considering the extent of Swedish industry this will be crucial for attracting international talent for Swedish companies.  Let's collectively keep our fingers crossed!

Letting Agent or Relocation Agent?

Many expats that come to Sweden don't realize the value of a relocation agent.  A relocation agent can meet your needs on a 360 basis.  A letting agent can place you in a wonderful property that suits your needs.

Some don't realize the difference between a letting agent and a relocation agent.  They seem so similar but it is kind of like comparing a full service spa and a nail salon.  A nail salon is a perfect place to go if you only need to get your nails done.  However, if you want a haircut, fullbody massage, manicure and a pedicure you go to the spa!

www.residensportalen.com  is a letting agent. Our expertise is properties.  We can advise on rental laws, sublet leases and the different areas in Sweden.  However, we are not experts on schools, immigration and expat taxation for instance.  Relocation companies are excellent in this area.  They can offer the "full service spa" concept for all your relocation needs.  If you do not need relocation needs, then we are the ideal alternative since we offer a cutting edge IT portal that matches you with the appropriate landlords.

If you are moving to Sweden and need relocation services, we have experience with the following companies that have many experienced relocation specialists:

Alfa Relocation, http://www.alfamoving.com/en/
Crown Relocation, http://www.crownrelo.com/sweden
Human Entrance, www.humanentrance.com
Key Relocation. www.keyrelocation.se
Newcomers Relocation, www.newcomers.se
Nordic Relocation Group, www.nrgab.com
Team Relocations, http://www.teamrelocations.com/

We hope regardless of what needs you have that you will enjoy a warm welcome to Sweden.

Renting a property in Sweden, how does it work?

 

Timeline for Tenants

Searching
The more flexible that you are, the better chances you have of finding a suitable home. When entering your search criteria, begin your search on a wide level by not narrowing down the search criteria too much.  You can always make it more specific as you narrow it down.  Usually, things fall in place once you have decided on a home.
Booking of Showings and Visiting the Property
The more flexibility and availability you have, the more likely you are to get bookings for showings confirmed.  Take the opportunity once there to ask about the neighborhood, schools, public transport and etc. Remember that for the landlord choosing a tenant is a very emotional decision since they are "lending" you their home.
Contract
A contract should be written by a registered real estate agent.  Swedish law is complicated, do not attempt to do this on your own.
Walk-through Notes and Inventory
In order for the rental to go smoothly, it is crucial that the landlord prepares both informational as well inventory documents for their home. We recommend that the tenant and landlord go through a thorough walk-through documentation that looks at floors, walls and ceilings. If this is done correctly and in a detailed manner, the risk for discussions regardning wear and tear at the end of the rental is reduced. Inventory lists can very detailed or only list some of the inventory.
Move-in, Tenancy and Move-out
The tenant and the landlord should go through the prepared documents on move-in day and sign off on the lists in agreement.  During the tenancy, it is important for the landlord to respect that the property is technically in the tenant's possession. The landlord cannot drop-by to check on the property without the permission from the tenant unless the landlord has reason to suspect damage of the emergency type such as leaking water or fire.  When the lease has expired we recommend that the tenant and the landlord revisit the prepared documents again to determine possible wear and tear and inventory condition. When both parties are in agreement, any possible deposit should be repaid (recommended within 10 days).

For more information and guidance, please visit our site: www.residensportalen.com

"Lagom"-The Swedish Mentality

If you are planning on moving here or already live here, you may already have heard about the Swedish mentality: "Lagom är bäst".  What does this mean you ask? According to Wikipedia "lagom" means "enough, sufficient, in moderation".

After years of the socialist party in majority, this has shaped the minds of hearts of many Swedes.  One is not supposed to boast or brag. If you just bought a big house and you are thrilled, you say nothing. The English adage of "Don't rock the boat" can be applied here and feeds straight into what we call "the Swedish jealousy, another topic in itself".

As an Expat, you may be excused if you say things that we may perceive as bragging or boasting, since we will attribute it to your culture.  Many will even find you exotic. However, don't be surprised if you find us to be "flat" or non-personable due to this "lagom" mentality.  We simply do not want to stick out or make a lot of noise.

A personal example of this was shortly after I started www.residensportalen.se and I was walking on Östermalm with one of my friends.  We ran into another friend who asked how the new business was going. I enthusiastically replied "it's great, business is booming and our business model has received a lot of positive response on the market".  After my friend and I continued our walk she explained that I could not brag like that (I had been abroad for 16 years and home in Sweden for less than a year).  I was floored. What I identified as enthusiasm for my success she interpreted as bragging.

You will find this in the workplace as well.  Swedes are generally careful and moderate when presenting ideas.  Decision making is a whole different topic. We'll make that a separate blog update.

On a positive note, the "lagom" mentality is not as dominant almost ten years later.  General trends in marketing reflect this with companies being more boastful in their marketing.  One example of this is the upshoot Real Estate Agency www.esny.se Eklund New York that has brought many positive approaches to doing business from the other side of the Atlantic. Their marketing machine reflects this by calling themselves "Sweden's most exclusive agency". So, the tide may be turning as more and more Swedes also work abroad and bring an international way of thinking home.  But, don't be surprised if you meet some "Lagom är bäst" people your first year in Sweden.

Shoes off or on?

When expats come to Sweden to view properties, the question of shoes often come up.  The basic information that expats are given is to always take their shoes off when they arrive at a Swede's house.

Actually, this is a misconception. It is one of those things you probably won't ever hear from a Swede but...it varies between the social classes.  The upper classes will not take off their shoes off when entering a friend's home as long as the weather is not rainy or snowy outside. If it is winter or inclement weather, the upper class will either wear galoshes or bring indoor shoes and change.  The upper class will frown upon anyone walking around their home in their socks, it is considered quite improper.

The middle class, however, expects you to take your shoes off when entering their home regardless of weather and will not think twice if you walk around their home in your socks.

There you go, the secret about shoes in Sweden.  Pass it on:)

Swedish rental laws-Leases

Now you know that it is hard to find a sublet in Sweden .  But, on a positive note once you have found a sublet, the law is on your side. Swedish rental law is written in order to protect the tenant.  For instance, a tenant is not bound by the lease term.  So, if your circumstances change and you have entered a 2 year lease it does not matter since you can give notification on a three month basis at any time.  Pretty crazy. 

Here is more information about giving notice on Swedish rental contracts: ease agreements that have a fixed period only or with continuation bind the landlord to the initial period. A tenant always has the right to give notice three months from the last day of the month the notice was served. This right applies irrespective of other terms of the contract and cannot be changed.

The landlord can always relinquish their right of the notice period and thus can allow the tenant to be released from the agreement prior to the end of the notice period. The agreement can state a longer notice period, but then it only applies to the landlord, also, if the agreement states a shorter notice period it only applies to the tenant.

If a contract of a set term lacks clauses regulating the termination of the lease agreement the lease automatically becomes an open-ended agreement, as well as if the tenant remains in the home for a month after the end of the rental period of a fixed term agreement.

There may be special circumstances when the agreement is terminated prematurely by either party. Such cases include damages or deficiencies of the home that renders it unsuitable to live in and if the tenant severly breaches the contract (sever disruptions in rental payments, severe ignorance of rules and regulations, etc.). These notices of cancellations are regulated by law, when, why and how they may be served.  To read more about rental laws in Sweden, click here.

Finding a sublet in Sweden

Finding a sublet in Sweden is not as easy as in New York for instance.  Most apartments in Stockholm for example, are privately owned in condo form.  The owners cannot rent them out at will, they have to get permission to do so. 


In other cities you can walk into most buildings and get a lease directly with the owner of the building.  That is unheard of in Sweden.  The direct leases with building owners require a state controlled waiting list. In some areas, it can take 20 years to get that type of lease.


So, what to do when arriving in Sweden and needing housing.  Find a reliable sublet broker.  That is the point of this blog. We have developed an interface that gives you the ability to find a needle in a haystack: A sublet in Sweden. Landlords can only advertise to the tenants that they are interested in. The ads are kept up to date and you can buy services that assist you through the process. We will update this blog with information about housing in Sweden and at times pertinent information about relocating to Sweden in general.