Problems with an estate agent

Where can I turn if I have a dispute with the estate agent? 

If you have a dispute with the estate agent and are looking for financial compensation, you need to complain and make a claim directly to the estate agent. If you do not reach an agreement on a mutually agreed solution, you can refer the dispute to the Real Estate Market Dispute Resolution Board (FRN) or file a lawsuit in the district court.  

You can also report an estate agent to the Swedish Estate Agents Inspectorate (FMI). The FMI does not adjudicate disputes, but it does exercise regulatory authority over estate agents. They can, for instance, issue a warning or suspend an estate agent’s licence. 

If I and the estate agent have a dispute 

If you and the estate agent cannot reach an agreement on a serious matter, you should make a formal complaint to the estate agent. If you believe that the estate agent has not fulfilled his or her obligations and that you have therefore been financially harmed, the estate agent may be under an obligation to compensate you. As a seller, you can also demand a deduction from the estate agent’s commission if the estate agent has not performed their duties properly. 

Your first recourse is to start by speaking with the estate agent and seeking an agreed resolution of the matter. It is advisable to submit your complaint or claim in writing, e-mail might be sufficient, explaining why you are dissatisfied and what compensation you are seeking. 

Report the dispute to the Real Estate Market Dispute Resolution Board (FRN) 

If you and the estate agent cannot come to a mutually agreeable solution, you can report the estate agent to the Real Estate Market Dispute Resolution Board (FRN). The estate agent’s responsibility is personal. Therefore, the complaint should be addressed to the individual estate agent and not to the property brokerage firm. 

Further information is available on the Real Estate Market Dispute Resolution Board’s website  (In Swedish)

Disputes over compensation may also be adjudicated in a district court. 

If you want to file a complaint with the Swedish Estate Agents Inspectorate 

If you are not satisfied and feed that an estate agent has carried out his or her responsibilities improperly, you can report the matter to the Swedish Estate Agents Inspectorate (FMI). A report is very important for fulfilling FMI’s supervisory responsibility over estate agents. The FMI can, for example, issue a formal warning or, in the case of serious errors or misconduct, deregister the estate agent. 

When you submit a report to the FMI, you do not become a party to the case. Your report becomes a matter between the Swedish Estate Agents Inspectorate (FMI) and the estate agent. 

Further information on the website of the Swedish Estate Agents Inspectorate (FMI)

The Swedish Estate Agents Inspectorate does not adjudicate disputes 

It is not the role of the Swedish Estate Agents Inspectorate to adjudicate disputes between private parties and estate agents. If you are dissatisfied with the estate agent’s performance, you should start by contacting the estate agent and discussing the issue. 

Disputes about liability and compensation for damages or other compensation can be referred to the Real Estate Market Dispute Resolution Board (FRN).