Where Does Your Rent Go?
Your Rent – an Investment in Today’s and Tomorrow’s Student Housing
Stockholms studentbostäder is a foundation with a clear and long-term mission: to provide safe, affordable, and attractive student housing in Stockholm. We were founded back in 1958 by SSCO – the Stockholm Federation of Student Unions – during a time of severe student housing shortage.
Since then, we’ve built and managed thousands of student homes, and we continue to carry out that mission. To build new housing, upgrade our existing buildings and residential areas, and run our operations sustainably in the long term, we need a stable financial foundation. That is why rents are adjusted every year.
All Surplus Is Reinvested into the Organisation
We are a foundation run on business principles. This means that all surplus is reinvested into the organisation. We have no owner who takes dividends or can contribute capital if the need were to arise.
All surplus is reinvested into the organisation and enables:
- The construction of new student housing
- Maintenance and renovation of existing homes
- Safer, greener, and more functional living environments
- Financial stability for the future
Why Is the Rent Adjusted?
We work continuously to improve cost efficiency and maintain long-term financial balance, including through recurring procurement processes and energy-efficiency investments.
Adjusting rents annually is also an important part of keeping our finances stable, especially in times of rising costs that are difficult for us to influence – such as:
- Electricity, heating, water, and waste management
- Interest rates and financial fees
- Inflation and rising costs in the construction and real estate sector
Since we have no owners or external investors to rely on, we must create our own financial flexibility to continuously fulfil our important social mission, both today and in the long term. This makes us more resilient if costs rise or if urgent renovation needs arise.
Rent Is Negotiated Together with SSF
Each year, rents are negotiated together with SSF – the Stockholm Student Tenants’ Association, which represents you as a tenant. Together, we aim to find rent levels that are reasonable, carefully considered, and sustainable over time.
- Negotiations usually begin in the autumn
- They apply to the upcoming calendar year
- Once a decision is made, you’ll be informed via My Pages
- The new rent will also be shown on your rent invoice
If you live in a sublet apartment (leased from an external property owner), that owner may handle rent negotiations. This can result in a different rent adjustment compared to our directly owned properties.
What Does This Mean for You?
You do not need to participate in the negotiation yourself – SSF represents you. We always strive to keep negotiation meetings efficient to avoid delays. If no agreement is reached in time before the new year, the rent adjustment may need to be charged retroactively.
Your rent invoice will always clearly state if your rent increase is charged retroactively.
We want you, as one of our tenants, to feel confident that every krona of your rent is used to create even better student housing in Stockholm – both now and in the future. In this way, we can continue building a vibrant and accessible student city for current and future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rent Adjustments
Why is the rent increased every year?
To cover rising costs and ensure we can continue to invest in both new and existing student housing.
Who decides how much the rent will increase?
The rent is negotiated between Stockholms studentbostäder and SSF – your student tenants’ association.
When will I know what my new rent will be?
As soon as negotiations are finalized, we’ll inform you via email, My pages, and on your rent invoice.
Do I have to pay retroactive rent?
If the negotiations are delayed, retroactive rent may apply for previous months. This will be clearly shown on your invoice.
Is the rent the same for all apartments?
Not necessarily. If your apartment is managed by an external landlord, rent negotiations may differ. Rent levels can also vary between housing areas.
How is the surplus from rent used?
All surplus is reinvested into building more student housing, maintaining our properties, and creating safer, more sustainable living environments.
Why does SSSB need to make a surplus – if you don’t have owners?
It is true that we do not have a private investor or owner who takes out profit. But for that very reason, we must take responsibility for maintaining financial margins. If, for example, interest rates rise, urgent maintenance is needed, or a construction project is delayed, we need the capital to respond. Generating a surplus is therefore not a goal in itself – it is a way to remain a stable and long-term provider of student housing for today’s and tomorrow’s students in Stockholm.