Neighbors’ Accusations Turn Monica’s Everyday Life into a Nightmare
Stockholm, Sweden – Monica’s peaceful life in her apartment turned into a living nightmare as her neighbors tried to drive her away with false accusations of illegal renting and neglect. The housing association Hem & Hyra has conducted a study on the reality of renting from a condominium association, and the results are alarming – the risk of eviction attempts is significantly higher for tenants in these associations.
Monica, a long-time resident of a three-room apartment in Johanneshov, recalls fond memories of barbecue evenings and shared holidays with her neighbors. However, over time, the atmosphere changed, and her neighbors began to distance themselves from her, engaging in hushed conversations and ignoring her presence.
The troubles began a few years ago when a new board took over the condominium association. Monica noticed a shift in their behavior towards her. Promised improvements, such as replacing her old freezer and fridge, never materialized. When things broke down, she received no assistance from the association. The situation escalated further when she was falsely accused of causing water damage to the property.
Renting in a condominium association proves to be more problematic than other rental options. Statistics from Booli reveal that only 0.8 percent of tenants in Sweden live in a condominium association. However, Hem & Hyra’s review shows that tenants in these associations face more issues and are overrepresented among those seeking assistance from the Tenants Association for problems like damage, cold, heat, and vermin. Furthermore, 3 percent of the cases brought to the tenancy board for eviction attempts involve housing associations. This indicates that tenants in housing associations are almost four times as likely to face threats of eviction compared to others.
Mikael Areskog, the chief legal officer at the Tenants Association’s Stockholm region, explains that condominium associations often prioritize financial interests over tenant rights. Areskog believes that the desire to profit from selling rental properties makes condominium associations more inclined to terminate leases quickly.
Monica’s situation reached its peak in 2016 when the condominium association attempted to evict her, accusing her of illegally subletting her apartment. Monica vehemently denies these allegations and believes that the association wanted her out to facilitate a sale. Although she won the court case and was granted permission to stay, the legal process and living next door to those who wanted to evict her took a toll on her mental well-being.
In 2020, Monica faced a similar situation when the landlord tried to force her out again. She recounts uncomfortable encounters with her neighbors and false accusations that she and her daughter attracted unwanted attention to the neighborhood. The housing association terminated her contract once more, but Monica once again fought against the eviction and won the case at the Tenancy Board.
However, the constant feuding led to strained relationships with her neighbors, even losing friends she thought were close. The day before the court trial, the association reached out to Monica with an offer of 700,000 SEK (approximately $81,000) to move out. Monica accepted the money, as she felt that she and her daughter could no longer tolerate living there amidst the hostility from the neighbors.
Monica believes that the condominium association should compensate her for the stress they put her through, suggesting that they should pay her an additional 100,000 SEK (approximately $11,600) per year. While three-room apartments in the area are currently advertised for 3.5–5 million SEK (approximately $406,000-$580,000), Monica and her daughter cannot afford to buy in the same neighborhood, leaving the association to profit from her departure.
Oskar Öholm, CEO of the industry organization Fastighetsägarna in Stockholm, acknowledges the issues faced by tenants in housing associations. He highlights the need for training in tenancy legislation and awareness among housing associations about their responsibilities as landlords. Öholm recognizes that more can be done to support this group and ensure compliance with the rules.
The housing association, Blåvingen 3, declined to participate in a telephone interview regarding the matter.
Monica’s story sheds light on the challenges faced by tenants in condominium associations and the need for increased awareness and support to protect their rights and well-being.