---
title: "What does it cost to inspect a flat when moving in?"
author: "William Wiklund"
authorUrl: "https://bofrid.com/en/articles/authors/william-wiklund"
datePublished: "2026-10-24T07:15:01.804Z"
dateModified: "2026-10-24T07:15:01.837Z"
description: "The inspection when moving in is the landlord's responsibility and cost. The tenant pays nothing. Read what the inspection report contains and why it matters."
keywords: ["inspection report flat cost", "inspection when moving in", "what does flat inspection cost", "inspection report tenant", "flat inspection cost", "inspection moving in landlord"]
categories: ["Landlord", "Guides"]
canonical: "https://bofrid.com/en/articles/what-does-it-cost-to-inspect-a-flat-when-moving-in"
language: "en"
image: "https://bofrid.media/cms/0189e381e7062d6a961bb2626158df1a868eaf5c.webp"
---

# What does it cost to inspect a flat when moving in?

## Inspection report flat cost – what does the tenant pay?

The cost of a flat inspection when moving in is the landlord's responsibility. You should not pay for the inspection or the inspection report. It is the landlord's duty to document the flat's condition before you move in, according to good practice in the rental market. This documentation protects both parties by establishing the flat's baseline condition.

### What is an inspection report?

An inspection report is a written document that describes the flat's physical condition when you move in. The report contains notes about damage, wear and tear, cleanliness and the functioning of installations. It is signed by both the landlord and the tenant and serves as evidence of the flat's condition on the moving-in day.

The report is particularly important when the tenant later moves out. It determines which damage is new and therefore the tenant's responsibility, and which already existed and is therefore the landlord's responsibility.

### Inspection report flat cost – who pays?

The landlord always pays for the inspection. There is no legal basis for the landlord to charge the tenant for this cost. The inspection is part of the landlord's administrative duties when a new tenant moves in.

In practice, the cost can vary depending on whether the landlord carries out the inspection themselves or hires a professional inspector. A simple self-inspection costs nothing. A professional inspector's services can cost varying amounts, but this cost is the landlord's.

### Your rights as a tenant at the inspection

You have the right to be present when the inspection is carried out. You should examine the report carefully and ensure it is correct before you sign it. If you disagree with the description of the flat's condition, you can note your objections directly in the report.

If you discover errors or omissions in the report later, it is harder to prove that they already existed. Therefore, it is important that you are thorough at the inspection.

### What should the inspection report contain?

A complete inspection report should contain:

- Date and time of the inspection
- Name of the landlord and tenant
- Flat's address and flat number
- Description of all rooms
- Notes about visible damage or wear and tear
- Testing of appliances and installations
- Photographs (recommended)
- Signatures from both parties

Photographs are an excellent way to document the flat's condition. They can be used later if disputes arise about damage.

### The inspection when moving in – step by step

1. **Book an inspection time** – Contact the landlord and agree on a time that suits both parties.
2. **Prepare yourself** – Compile a list of questions or areas you want to examine more carefully.
3. **Attend the inspection** – Go through the flat together with the landlord or inspector.
4. **Document everything** – Take your own photographs and notes if anything seems incorrect.
5. **Read the report carefully** – Before you sign, check that everything is correct.
6. **Note any objections** – If anything is incorrect, write it in the report before you sign.
7. **Keep a copy** – Make sure you receive a copy of the signed report.
8. **Save the documentation** – Keep the report and photographs safely throughout the rental period.

### What happens if the inspection is not carried out?

If the landlord does not carry out an inspection when you move in, problems can arise later. Without documentation, it is difficult to prove which damage already existed when you moved in. If the landlord later claims that you caused damage and wants to deduct from the deposit, you cannot easily dispute this.

In such cases, it is recommended that you carry out an inspection yourself and take photographs. Send these to the landlord and request confirmation of the flat's condition. This creates at least some form of documentation.

### The inspection when moving out

When you move out, a new inspection is carried out to compare the flat's condition with the inspection report from when you moved in. This inspection is also the landlord's responsibility and cost.

Damage that was not in the original report is considered the tenant's responsibility. The landlord can then deduct the cost of repair from the deposit.

### Comparison: The inspection's role at different times

| Time | What is documented | Who pays | Purpose |
|------|-------------------|----------|----------|
| Moving in | Flat's baseline condition | Landlord | Establish baseline for damage |
| During rental period | Any new damage | Tenant (if responsible) | Document changes |
| Moving out | Flat's final condition | Landlord | Compare with moving-in report |

### The deposit and the inspection

The inspection report is directly linked to the deposit. If the landlord claims that you caused damage when moving out, they use the inspection report from when you moved in as evidence. Without a clear report, the landlord can make larger deductions from the deposit.

A thorough inspection when moving in protects your deposit. It proves which damage already existed and is therefore not your responsibility.

## Frequently asked questions

**Can the landlord charge me for the inspection?**
No. The inspection is the landlord's responsibility and cost. You should never pay for the inspection or the inspection report.

**What do I do if the landlord refuses to carry out an inspection?**
Request in writing that an inspection is carried out. Document the flat's condition yourself with photographs and send these to the landlord. Keep all correspondence. If the landlord later makes deductions from the deposit based on alleged damage, you can refer to your own photographs.

**Can I require a professional inspector to be used?**
You can request it, but the landlord can choose to carry out the inspection themselves. What is important is that the inspection is carried out and documented in a reliable way.

**What happens if I do not sign the inspection report?**
You should sign it if it is correct. If you disagree with the contents, note your objections in the report before you sign. Do not refuse to sign altogether, as this can create problems later.

### Related costs when moving in

The inspection is just one of several costs and procedures when moving in. Read more about other costs and rights:

- [What does it cost to get your deposit back?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/what-does-it-cost-to-get-your-deposit-back)
- [Rental contract before moving in: what should you check](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/rental-contract-before-moving-in-what-to-check)
- [What can a landlord ask about your finances?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/what-can-a-landlord-ask-about-your-finances-swedish-law-explained-bofrid)
- [Can the landlord enter your flat without asking?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/can-the-landlord-enter-your-flat-without-asking)
- [Dispute with landlord? How to report to the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden)](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/dispute-with-your-landlord-how-to-report-to-the-swedish-rent-tribunal)

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