| Item | Allowed in the stairwell? | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Shoes | No | Poses a tripping hazard and fire risk |
| Door mat | Usually yes | Must lie flat and be made of the correct material |
| Pushchair | No | Hinders evacuation in case of fire |
| Flower pot | No | Can tip over and create an obstacle |
As a general rule, you are not permitted to keep shoes in the stairwell, as the stairwell is considered an escape route and part of the property's fire protection system. The landlord has the right to demand that you bring your shoes inside, as obstacles in the stairwell pose a safety risk and may hinder rescue operations.
The rules regarding what is allowed in common areas are governed by the property owner's responsibility for fire safety. According to Chapter 12, Section 24 of the Jordabalken (the Swedish Land Code), a tenant has a duty of care, which means that you must look after the flat and the common areas belonging to the property. Blocking an escape route goes against the house rules that landlords apply to maintain safety.
Why is it problematic to keep shoes in the stairwell?
There are several concrete reasons why property owners often prohibit shoes, pushchairs, and furniture in the stairwell. Firstly, it is a matter of fire safety. In the event of smoke filling a stairwell, visibility becomes extremely poor. If emergency services need to pass through quickly, loose items on the floor could cause staff to trip, or residents trying to evacuate the building could injure themselves in the dark.
Secondly, it concerns access for ambulance staff. If someone in the household suffers an acute medical emergency, healthcare personnel must be able to move a stretcher through the building. Shoes and other items left outside the door may result in the stretcher not fitting or staff being forced to manoeuvre around obstacles, which costs valuable time.
Can you have shoes in the stairwell if it is wide enough?
Many tenants ask whether there are exceptions based on the width of the stairwell. The answer is that there rarely are. Fire safety regulations are general and look at the situation as a whole. It is not just the width that counts, but also the risk that items could catch fire if an arson attempt occurs in the stairwell. Shoes are often made of materials that burn easily and can themselves become a source of increased smoke development.
Responsibility and house rules
It is the landlord who holds the formal responsibility for ensuring the property meets the requirements of the Lag om skydd mot olyckor (the Act on Protection Against Accidents). If a fire breaks out and the landlord has permitted items in the stairwell that have hindered evacuation, the property owner can be subject to oversight. For this reason, most landlords act proactively by introducing strict prohibitions in their house rules.
If you find that neighbours are disturbing the order or that the stairwell feels unsafe due to clutter, you can read more about how disturbances are assessed in our article Can a neighbour complain about noise – when does it become a disturbance under the law?.
Can you keep shoes in the stairwell despite a prohibition?
If you choose to ignore the landlord's prohibition, you risk receiving a formal legal notice. If the landlord sends a formal request for rectification and you still do not move your shoes, it can be viewed as failing to fulfil your obligations as a tenant. In extreme cases, this can lead to the forfeiture of your rental flat (hyresrätt). It is therefore not worth the risk of keeping shoes in the stairwell if the landlord has pointed out that it is not permitted.
It is also important to note that insurance companies may set requirements for fire safety in a property. If a fire occurs where items in the stairwell have hindered rescue work, it can have consequences for the property owner's insurance coverage. This is the reason why caretakers often clear stairwells of property left there.
What does the law say about common areas?
There is no specific paragraph in the Jordabalken that explicitly mentions shoes, but Chapter 12, Section 24 of the Jordabalken regulates the tenant's duty of care. This duty also extends to common areas, where you as a tenant must show consideration for your neighbours and not expose them to unnecessary danger. Cluttering an escape route is not considered compatible with this responsibility.
If you have questions about other items in the home, such as white goods or fixtures, you can read more in Does the landlord have to pay for the repair of white goods or Can the landlord demand that you remove your washing machine?.
Frequently asked questions
Can you have a door mat outside the flat door? Yes, a thin and flat door mat is usually permitted because it does not constitute an obstacle to evacuation or a tripping hazard, provided that the landlord has not explicitly prohibited it.
What happens if the landlord throws my shoes away? As a rule, the landlord does not have the right to throw away your private belongings without first giving you a chance to remove them. They must inform you and provide a reasonable deadline for rectification before any measures are taken.
Must I bring my shoes in every evening? Yes, if the stairwell is an escape route, it must be kept free of loose items around the clock. It does not matter if it is day or night.
Where can I report it if the stairwell is blocked? In the first instance, you should contact your landlord or property manager. If they do not act and the fire hazard is obvious, you can contact the local fire and rescue service's fire safety department for advice.
For more information on how to handle disputes with your landlord, you can read our guide Dispute with the landlord? How to report to the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) (step-by-step).
This text provides general information and is not to be considered legal advice.
