Moving to Norway and need a place to live? Renting here works a bit differently than in many other countries. This guide walks you through everything from finding a place to understanding your rights, all tailored for English speakers navigating the Norwegian housing market.
Housing options
You'll find a few main types of rental housing. The most common is a hybel, which is a room in a shared house or apartment. You'll have your own bedroom but share the kitchen, bathroom, and living areas with others. It's often the most affordable and social option, especially for students or newcomers.
Then there's the leilighet, a self-contained apartment. This is what most people aim for. It gives you a private kitchen, bathroom, and living space. These can be hard to find in big cities like Oslo or Bergen, and competition is fierce. You might also come across rekkehus (townhouses) or eneboliger (single-family homes) for rent, but these are less common and usually more expensive.
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Furnished versus unfurnished is a big distinction. Most long-term rentals are unfurnished. That means you'll get a kitchen with appliances, but no furniture, not even light fixtures or curtains in many cases. Short-term or expat-focused rentals often come furnished, but you'll pay a premium for it.
Rental costs and deposits
Let's talk numbers. Rent varies massively by location. In Oslo, expect to pay at least 12,000 to 15,000 NOK per month for a small one-bedroom apartment outside the city center. In the center, prices start around 18,000 NOK. In smaller cities like Trondheim or Stavanger, you might find something for 9,000 to 12,000 NOK.
Utilities are usually not included in the rent. You'll need to budget an extra 1,500 to 2,500 NOK per month for electricity, heating, and internet. Some apartments have felleskostnader (common expenses) for maintenance, which might be included or billed separately.
The deposit is called a depositum. By law, it can't be more than six months' rent, but three months is the standard. So for an apartment costing 13,000 NOK a month, your deposit would be 39,000 NOK. You pay this when you sign the contract. The money must be placed in a dedicated, protected deposit account, not given directly to the landlord. You get it back when you move out, minus any charges for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Finding listings
You won't find a single dominant website. You need to check several places regularly. Finn.no is the biggest marketplace. Set up alerts for your search criteria and check it multiple times a day. New listings go fast, sometimes within hours.
Hybel.no is great for shared rooms. For Facebook, search for groups like "Leie i Oslo" or "Bolig til leie i Bergen." Be careful of scams here. Never send money before seeing a contract and never use wire transfers like Western Union. Some people also have luck with local newspapers' online sites or university housing boards if you're a student.
Your network is powerful. Tell everyone you know you're looking. Many rentals are passed on through friends or colleagues before they ever hit the open market. This is called a "kjentepleie" rental and can be a golden ticket.
When you see a listing you like, you need to act immediately. Contact the landlord with a short, polite message in Norwegian or English. Introduce yourself, state your job and income, and say why you're interested. Have your documents ready to send.
Lease agreements
The standard contract is called a standard leiekontrakt. You can find templates online from organizations like Husleietvistutvalget. Always insist on a written contract. A verbal agreement won't protect you.
Read every line. Key things to check are the lease duration, the notice period (oppsigelsestid), and what the rent includes. The notice period is usually three months, but it must be stated. Look for any special rules about pets, painting, or subletting.
You'll need to provide documentation. Landlords will ask for proof of income like your last three pay slips or an employment contract, your ID or passport, and sometimes a credit report. If you're new to the country and don't have a Norwegian credit history, be prepared to explain your situation. A letter from your employer can help.
Before you sign, do a thorough inspection with the landlord. This is the innflyttingsrapport. Take photos and videos of every room, noting any existing damage like scratches on the floor or stains on the wall. Both you and the landlord should sign this report. It's your only proof of the apartment's condition when you moved in and is essential for getting your full deposit back.
Rights and responsibilities
As a tenant, you have strong rights. Your landlord cannot enter your home without your permission except in a real emergency. Rent increases must be justified and follow specific rules, usually tied to the consumer price index. They can't just raise it because they feel like it.
You're responsible for keeping the place clean and in good condition. You must report any maintenance issues to the landlord promptly. For small fixes, like changing a lightbulb, that's on you. For major issues like a broken heater or water leak, the landlord must fix it.
When it's time to leave, you'll do another inspection called an utflyttingsrapport. This is compared to the move-in report. You are expected to return the apartment in the same condition, minus normal wear and tear. Normal wear means slight scuffing on floors from living, not large scratches or holes in the walls. You are usually required to clean the apartment thoroughly, including the oven and windows, or pay for a professional cleaner.
If there's a dispute over the deposit, the landlord must provide receipts for any repair costs they deduct. If you disagree, you can take the case to the Husleietvistutvalget (The Housing Disputes Tribunal). It's a low-cost way to resolve issues without going to court.
FAQ
What documents do I need to rent an apartment?
You'll need a valid ID (passport), proof of income (employment contract or recent pay slips), and sometimes a Norwegian credit report. If you're new and don't have a credit history here, a letter from your employer confirming your salary and position is very helpful.
Can I rent without a Norwegian personal number?
Yes, it's possible but much harder. Many landlords and rental agencies prefer tenants with a personal number because it's tied to the official population register. You may need to offer a larger deposit or provide more substantial proof of income from abroad.
How long does it take to find a rental?
In popular cities like Oslo, it can take one to three months of active searching. Be prepared to see many places and send many applications. Having all your documents scanned and ready to email will give you a big advantage.
Are rental scams common?
They do happen, especially on informal platforms like Facebook. Red flags include a landlord who is overseas, a price that seems too good to be true, pressure to pay a deposit quickly, or refusal to show you the apartment in person. Always see the apartment and meet the landlord before paying anything.
What is 'normal wear and tear'?
This is often a point of contention. It generally means the gentle deterioration that happens from ordinary living over time. Examples include faded paint, lightly worn carpets in walking paths, or small scratches on a wooden floor from furniture. It does not include stains, burns, holes in walls, or broken items.