---
title: "Can a landlord require a medical certificate before moving in?"
author: "Philip Rönnmark"
authorUrl: "https://bofrid.com/en/articles/authors/philip-ronnmark"
datePublished: "2026-10-19T07:15:04.485Z"
dateModified: "2026-10-19T07:15:04.524Z"
description: "No, a landlord cannot require a medical certificate before moving in. It is discrimination. Read what a landlord can actually check."
keywords: ["can landlord require medical certificate tenant", "medical certificate before moving in", "what can landlord require", "discrimination rent medical certificate", "tenant rights medical certificate"]
categories: ["Landlord", "Guides"]
canonical: "https://bofrid.com/en/articles/can-a-landlord-require-a-medical-certificate-before-moving-in"
language: "en"
image: "https://bofrid.media/cms/f3e764f2fdba16533848cd845150f0ff3b76d8be.webp"
---

# 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?

| Check | Permitted | Not permitted | Legal basis |
|-------|-----------|---------------|-------------|
| Employment certificate | Yes | — | Market standard |
| Payslip | Yes | — | Market standard |
| Deposit | Yes, reasonable level | Unreasonably high | General contract law |
| Reference from previous landlords | Yes | — | Market standard |
| Credit check | Yes | — | General Data Protection Regulation (with consent) |
| Medical certificate | No | Yes | Discrimination Act, General Data Protection Regulation |
| Health certificate | No | Yes | Discrimination Act |
| Medical examination before moving in | No | Yes | Discrimination Act |
| Information about disability | No | Yes | Discrimination Act |

## 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?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/can-a-landlord-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?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/renting-without-employment-verification-what-can-a-landlord-require)
- [Can a landlord require payment in advance?](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/can-the-landlord-demand-rent-in-advance)
- [Rental contract before moving in: what should you check](https://bofrid.com/en/articles/rental-contract-before-moving-in-what-to-check)

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