Frequently asked questions
Everything about staying in a home on OVO, and about renting out your own.
Booking
How do I book?
Pick your dates and number of guests, introduce yourself briefly and send. Some homes are booked instantly, others send a request to the host. Each home shows which applies.
Why do I need to introduce myself?
You'll be staying in someone's real home. A few lines about who you are and why you're coming help the host feel at ease, and make it more likely you'll be approved.
How quickly will I hear back on a request?
Within 24 hours. If the host doesn't reply in time, the request expires and you can choose another home. You're never charged for a request that isn't approved.
What does "Co-host from OVO" mean?
The home is looked after by someone from OVO who welcomes you, answers questions and makes sure everything is in order. The owner has chosen to let OVO run it.
Can we book together as a group?
Yes. Make a list, invite the others with a link and choose a home together. One of you sends the request and everyone is listed as a guest on the booking.
Payment and fees
What does it cost to book?
The nightly price plus any cleaning fee. You see the total before you send. You pay no fees to OVO.
When do I pay?
With instant booking you pay when you book. With a request you pay once the host has approved it.
Cancellation
Can I cancel?
Yes, from your trip. How much you get back depends on the home's cancellation policy, shown on the home's page before you book:
- Flexible: full refund up to 1 day before check-in.
- Moderate: full refund up to 5 days before check-in.
- Strict: half refunded up to 14 days before check-in, nothing after that.
What happens if the host cancels?
You get back everything you paid. Get in touch and we'll help you find another home.
Check-in and keys
When do I get the address?
Once the booking is confirmed. Until then you only see the approximate area on the map, for the host's safety.
When do I get door codes and instructions?
48 hours before check-in, on your trip page. How to check in and the directions are visible as soon as the booking is confirmed.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Each home has its own times. You'll find them under House rules on the home's page.
During your stay
What if something isn't right when I arrive?
Contact OVO as soon as you notice, at the latest 24 hours after check-in. If you can't get in, or the home doesn't match the listing, we'll help you to a comparable home or refund what wasn't right.
Read about the OVO guarantee →How do I contact the host?
Through messages on OVO. Phone numbers and emails aren't shown, so everything is in one place and we can help if something happens.
Can I bring pets?
Only to homes marked Pets welcome. Ask the host if you're unsure.
Trust and safety
How does OVO review homes?
We go through every home before it's shown: photos, description, rules and that the owner is allowed to rent it out. Homes marked Visited by OVO we have been to ourselves.
Is my information safe?
We never show your address, phone number or email to others.
Read the privacy policy →Am I allowed to rent out?
Can I rent out my co-op apartment (bostadsrätt)?
Only if the board approves it, even for a few nights (Swedish Housing Co-op Act, chapter 7, section 10). Ask the board in writing before you list the home. Renting out without approval can, at worst, cost you the apartment.
Can I rent out my rental apartment (hyresrätt)?
You need the landlord's approval, and you may not charge more than it costs you. Unauthorised subletting at an inflated price has been a crime in Sweden since 2019. That's why OVO doesn't accept rental apartments.
Can I rent out my house or villa?
Yes, no permission is needed. Check that your home insurance covers rentals.
Tax
How is rental income taxed?
You declare the rental income as a private person. You may deduct SEK 40,000 per year and home, and pay 30% tax on the remainder.
- House or owned apartment: you may also deduct 20% of the rental income.
- Co-op apartment: you may also deduct the part of the monthly fee that relates to the rental.
Check the current amounts with the Swedish Tax Agency.
Does OVO report to the Swedish Tax Agency?
Yes. Platforms must report hosts' income to the Tax Agency once a year. That's why we ask for your personal identity number and bank account when you're paid out.
Insurance and damage
What happens if something breaks?
Let OVO know within 14 days of check-out, with photos. We'll help you claim from the guest. Also check what your home insurance covers for rentals.
Do I need special insurance?
Call your insurer and tell them you rent out short-term. Many home insurance policies don't cover damage during rentals without an add-on.
Run it yourself or let OVO run it
What's the difference?
- Run it yourself (10%): you set prices and dates, reply to guests and choose who stays.
- Let OVO run it (20%): a co-host from OVO handles photos, guests, keys and cleaning. You see everything but don't have to do anything.
What does a co-host from OVO do?
Takes photos, writes the listing, sets prices, replies to and chooses guests, hands over keys, books cleaning and checks the home after every stay.
Find your co-host →Can I switch later?
Yes. While the home is a draft you switch yourself. Once it's published, contact OVO, since the switch changes who replies to your guests.
Can I have my own co-host, such as a neighbour?
Coming soon. You'll invite the person and choose what they're allowed to do.
Fees and payouts
What does it cost?
Nothing to list. When you get a booking, OVO takes 10% (Run it yourself) or 20% (Let OVO run it) of what the guest pays.
When do I get paid?
24 hours after the guest checks in, to your bank account.
Listing and editing
How long does it take to list a home?
A few minutes if your photos are ready. Everything is saved as you go, so you can continue later.
List your home →Why does OVO review my home?
So that guests can trust that every home on OVO is up to standard. We look over photos, text and rules, and get in touch if anything needs changing.
Can I edit the listing after it's published?
Yes. Price, calendar and arrival guide change right away. Text, details and new photos are reviewed first, and the old version is shown until then.
Can I pause the listing?
Yes, any time in the listing editor. Bookings already made still apply.
Guests and rules
Do I decide who stays?
Yes, if you choose Request. You see the guest's introduction and have 24 hours to reply. With Instant booking, guests book right away.
How do I set house rules?
Tick the common ones (no parties, no smoking, quiet after a set time and so on) and write the rest yourself. Guests see them in their own language before they book.