Jordabalken

Jordabalken, commonly referred to as the Land Code, is a central Swedish statute within private law that governs real property and related rights. It forms a core part of the civil code and regulates how real property is owned, transferred, and encumbered, as well as the use and enjoyment of land. The code provides the overarching rules for acquiring ownership, transferring property, and creating or limiting rights in land.

The act covers several key areas. It regulates fast egendom (real property) and the formal requirements for transfers and registrations, including liens and mortgages (pant) that secure debts against property. It also addresses servitut, nyttjanderätt, and other easements that affect how land can be used by others. The Jordabalken includes provisions on property formation and boundary issues arising from subdivision and merging of parcels. Additionally, it contains rules governing the relationship between landlords and tenants, including tenancy rights (hyresrätt), rental agreements, rent setting, and termination in applicable contexts.

The code also interfaces with the real property register and registration system maintained by the public authorities (for example, inskrivningsväsendet and Lantmäteriet). This ensures that ownership, encumbrances, and rights are publicly recorded and enforceable against third parties. The Jordabalken is regularly amended to reflect changes in property markets, social policy, and procedural developments, and it serves as a foundational reference for courts, registrars, notaries, and real estate professionals in Sweden.

Overall, Jordabalken remains a foundational element of Swedish private property law, shaping how real estate is bought, sold, leased, and used.