started · updated
Hyresgästföreningen warns of housing risks during separations
The Swedish Tenants' Association (Hyresgästföreningen) is warning individuals about the housing challenges that arise during relationship separations, noting that October is one of the year's peak months for divorces.
Legal expert Anna Dorrian advises against making hasty decisions, such as immediately terminating a rental agreement or moving out, as this can jeopardize one's right to remain in a home. The organization highlights that housing shortages, long queues, and strict income requirements from landlords make finding new accommodation difficult once a household splits.
Economic disparities often impact the outcome of a separation. According to the report ‘Ett eget rum’, 57 percent of women believe they would likely not be able to afford their current home if they separated, compared to 36 percent of men. The association emphasizes that society needs to provide better support, such as priority in housing queues or increased housing benefits, to ensure vulnerable individuals—particularly women and those in abusive relationships—do not remain in unsafe environments due to a lack of housing options.