Kommunernas bostadsförsörjningsansvar

Sammanfattning: The lack of housing in Sweden is a problematic question of big importance. Based on the clarification of the Swedish law related to municipal housing responsibility, this study has been conducted with the purpose of investigating whether a statutory housing supply liability is of importance to municipal housing planning. To clarify its importance, interviews have been held with 21 representatives with duties related to municipal housing responsibilities. Changes have been noted in the municipalities’ way of manage the issue concerning the housing supply. However, opinions differ whether it is because of clarification of the law or a natural response to lack in housing. The undertaking in dealing with the municipal housing planning has in many cases resulted in dialogues and cooperation among different departments within the municipalities. It has also been triggered by political standpoints related to the issue and these standpoints have also been proven important when dealing with other parties on the market. This study results in a conclusion that statutory municipal housing responsibility is of great importance provided that all involved parties are aware of their role and understand the issue at hand. According to the law, the guidelines will be based on the current housing demand as well as the expected future demand. A certain level of housing produced is needed to achieve a desirable balance on the market. Housing guidelines are the instruments municipalities are able to use when it comes to housing planning and to answer the probably most important question in Sweden right now – how do we match the housing demand?