Can a landlord require a medical certificate before moving in?

No, a landlord cannot require a medical certificate from you before you move in. A landlord's right to assess your suitability as a tenant is limited to your financial ability to pay and your rental history — not your health or medical status. Medical certificates are personal data protected by the General Data Protection Regulation, and a requirement for them violates both privacy and anti-discrimination law.

Can a landlord require a medical certificate before moving in?

A landlord cannot legally require a medical certificate or health certificate from you as a condition of renting a flat. This applies regardless of whether you have a visible or hidden disability, chronic illness or other health issue.

A landlord's ability to choose a tenant is limited. You cannot be discriminated against on the grounds of:

• Disability
• Illness
• Ethnic background
• Religion
• Gender identity
• Sexual orientation
• Age (within reasonable limits)

A medical certificate is sensitive personal information. Requiring it is both a privacy violation and potentially discrimination.

What can a landlord actually require?

A landlord can check your financial situation and ability to pay. It is entirely legal to request:

• Employment certificate — to verify that you have income
• Payslip — to show your monthly salary
• Deposit — security for the rent
• Reference from previous landlords — to check whether you have paid rent on time
• Credit check — to see if you have debts or payment defaults

It is not legal to require:

• Medical certificate or health certificate
• Psychological assessments
• Medical examination before moving in
• Certificate of vaccination or disease status
• Information about medicines or diagnosis

Can a landlord require a medical certificate to assess damage risk?

No. Even if a landlord's argument is that the medical certificate should show that you can look after the flat, this is not a permitted ground. A landlord can instead:

• Inspect the flat before moving in and document its condition
• Carry out a home inspection together with you
• Require a reasonable deposit
• Set conditions in the rental contract about maintenance and care

Discrimination by requiring a medical certificate may entitle you to compensation from the landlord.

What should you do if a landlord requires a medical certificate?

Step 1: Say no politely but firmly. You are not obliged to provide a medical certificate.

Step 2: Offer alternatives. Present an employment certificate, payslip and reference from previous landlords instead.

Step 3: Document the request. Save emails or note what the landlord said and when.

Step 4: Contact the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) or a tenant rights organisation if the landlord refuses to rent the flat because you will not provide a medical certificate.

Step 5: Consider reporting to the Discrimination Ombudsman (Diskrimineringsombudsmannen) if you believe the requirement is discrimination.

Comparison: What can a landlord require?

Can a landlord require a medical certificate for a service animal?

No. Even if you have a service dog or a pet for health reasons, a landlord cannot require a medical certificate to verify this. A landlord also cannot prohibit service dogs or assistance dogs, regardless of what the rental contract says.

If you have a regular pet, a landlord can set conditions — for example, a higher deposit or insurance — but cannot require a medical certificate.

Frequently asked questions

Can a landlord require a medical certificate if I say I have a disability?

No. A medical certificate is sensitive personal information protected by the General Data Protection Regulation. A landlord cannot require it to verify a disability. If you need adjustments to the flat (for example, a lift or a parking space near the entrance), you can discuss this directly with the landlord without providing medical information.

What do I do if a landlord refuses to rent the flat because I will not provide a medical certificate?

This may be discrimination. Contact the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) or a tenant rights organisation such as Hyresgästföreningen. You can also report to the Discrimination Ombudsman (Diskrimineringsombudsmannen), who can investigate whether it is discrimination and claim compensation for you.

Can a landlord require a medical certificate to see if I can pay the rent?

No. If a landlord wants to check your ability to pay, he or she should request an employment certificate, payslip or credit check — not a medical certificate. A medical certificate says nothing about your finances.

Can I voluntarily provide a medical certificate to increase my chances of getting the flat?

You can do so, but it is not necessary and is not recommended. It is better to provide an employment certificate, a reference from previous landlords and a payslip. If you provide a medical certificate voluntarily, it can be used against you later, for example if the landlord later says you did not meet the conditions. Sticking to financial documents is a safer way to show that you are a reliable tenant, and it also protects your privacy throughout the rental relationship.

Related articles

Read more about what a landlord can require:

• Can you require an employment certificate from a tenant?
• Can you require a reference from previous landlords?
• Renting without proof of employment: What can a landlord require?
• Can a landlord require payment in advance?
• Rental contract before moving in: what should you check

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