Negotiating Home Studying different institutional approaches to tenants’ situation during Kirunas relocation

Sammanfattning

This paper examines how LKAB, the municipality of Kiruna and the Swedish Tenants Union (STU) approached Kiruna’s urban relocation, specifically the tenants' situation that arose during its first phase. Using theories of commodification and gamification of rental housing, the paper analyses how institutional responsibilities toward tenants were understood and negotiated within the Swedish rental system. The paper is based on a qualitative case study using interviews and document analysis, analysed through an abductive thematic approach. The findings show that STU’s approach, characterised by a willingness to advocate for tenants’ use-value of housing and demanding state intervention, went beyond its formal role as a negotiator of compensation. Kiruna municipality’s approach of trying to ensure access to affordable housing is shown to be impeded by existing housing stock being demolished. Finally, this paper details how LKAB’s approach, which provides compensation and financing for new housing, is shown to put trust in the forces of the housing market. The paper concludes that Kiruna’s relocation exposes the precarious position of tenants in Sweden. It emphasises that since such tenants do not own their properties, their futures are dictated by the successes and failures of negotiations.