Finding a place to live in Norway can feel like learning a new language, even if your Norwegian is already decent. The rental market is orderly on paper, but there are local customs, legal quirks, and a few practical hurdles that surprise many newcomers. As someone born and raised here who has helped international friends get settled from Tromsø to Oslo, I will walk you through what actually works.
If you are in a hurry, the short version is this: start browsing listings before you arrive, prepare a tidy application with ID, employment proof, and references, and expect to pay a deposit of two to three months’ rent into a separate deposit account that the landlord cannot touch. Most apartments come unfurnished or partly furnished, white goods are usually included, and rent increases are regulated. Where many foreigners stumble is banking, BankID, and the first deposit. There are ways around each of these.
Let’s take a deeper dive into renting an apartment in Norway, from first search to moving in without drama.
Where Norwegians Actually Search
The most used marketplace is Finn.no, where you can filter by neighborhood, size, and whether pets are allowed. Hybel.no is popular for smaller places, shared housing, and student-friendly rooms. You will also find listings via property managers and Facebook groups, although I recommend using Facebook only to spot leads and then verify details elsewhere.
Open houses are called visning. Most are scheduled for a set hour in the evening, and you typically sign up in advance via the listing. Walk-ins are common, but registering helps the landlord know you are serious.
Personal tip: I bring a short one-page “renter CV” to viewings with a photo, a two-sentence intro, employer and contract length, salary range, move-in date, and two references. It sounds formal, but it works.
Unfurnished, Partly Furnished, or Furnished
In Norway, unfurnished often still includes white goods like a fridge, stove, and sometimes a dishwasher and washing machine. Partly furnished can mean wardrobes, shelves, and a bed frame. Furnished usually suits short-term stays and may cost more per month.
Listings often show size in square meters and may mention P-rom or BRA. Do not stress those acronyms. Focus on plan drawings, ceiling height, and light. Ask whether utilities are included or paid separately and whether there are shared costs for things like stairwell cleaning or garbage collection.
What Landlords Expect From You
Norwegian landlords lean heavily on predictability. Be ready with:
- ID such as a passport.
- Employment contract or admission letter if you are a student.
- Recent payslips or a bank statement showing funds.
- References from a previous landlord or employer.
Some landlords will check credit. If you lack a Norwegian credit history or D-number at first, do not panic. Offer clear documentation of income, a Norwegian contact person if you have one, or a letter from HR stating your salary and contract length. That usually covers it.
Deposits, Rent, and Your Legal Baseline
The standard here is a deposit of two to three months’ rent. Crucially, this deposit must go into a separate deposit account in your name at a bank, not into the landlord’s private account. You will get the deposit back with interest if there are no unresolved damages or unpaid bills.
Some owners prefer using a rental guarantee from an insurance company instead of a cash deposit. It saves you from tying up money, but there is a nonrefundable fee. If you are fresh to Norway and waiting on a local bank account, this can be a bridge.
Rent is paid monthly, usually on the first, and increases are regulated. Landlords can usually adjust rent once per year in line with inflation, with written notice. Notice periods are commonly three months, but check your contract. Fixed-term contracts that run for 12 months are normal, and breaking them early often requires the owner’s consent.
Red flag to avoid: Never transfer a deposit to a personal account or in cash. If a landlord insists, walk away.
Viewings and Applications, The Norwegian Way
Norwegians value calm and order at viewings. Aim to be a few minutes early, take off your shoes inside, and keep the conversation straightforward. If you like the place, say so and hand over your short “renter CV.” After the viewing, send a concise message the same evening confirming your interest, proposed move-in date, and that your documents are attached.
You might be asked to sign digitally. E-signing is widespread here, often via established contract templates. If you lack BankID in the first weeks, request a PDF contract and sign with a passport copy. It is less common, but still acceptable while you settle your paperwork.
Common Problems Foreigners Face
Bank account limbo. Opening a Norwegian account can take time if you still need your D-number. Without a local account, the deposit account setup may stall. Solutions include a rental guarantee, asking the landlord to initiate the deposit account on their side, or using a larger property manager who can handle temporary workarounds.
No BankID yet. BankID unlocks a lot in Norway. Until you have it, rely on passport copies, employer letters, and manual signatures. Keep scans of everything in a single PDF to avoid back-and-forth.
Short work contracts. Many newcomers start on probation or temporary terms. Offer stronger references, proof of savings, or negotiate a slightly higher deposit within legal limits. I have seen owners accept this when the applicant is transparent.
Pets. Many ads say “no pets.” Norwegian law allows tenants to keep typical pets when it is reasonable for the property, but you still need to communicate. Offer a pet CV with vaccination records and a plan for cleaning. It sounds funny, but it has convinced more than one skeptical owner.
Scams. They are less common than in some countries, but they exist. If a place is far below market price or the owner says they are abroad and asks for payment before viewing, it is likely a scam. Never pay before you have physically seen the apartment and signed a proper contract.
How Renting in Norway Differs From Elsewhere
Compared with many countries, Norway emphasizes protected deposits, regulated rent adjustments, and clear notice rules. You will notice fewer “application fees,” no “key money,” and little tolerance for cash deposits. Apartments often come without much furniture, but with solid insulation and decent appliances. People expect quiet after 11 pm, stairwells are kept tidy, and you will be asked to sort waste.
Compared with some big cities abroad, landlord interviews feel less salesy. Owners look for reliability, not charm. Being punctual, prepared, and precise counts for more than a flashy pitch.
Utilities, Internet, and Shared Costs
Electricity, called strøm, is usually paid by the tenant. Heating can be electric, district heating, or occasionally included in shared costs. Many landlords set a monthly advance payment for utilities with an annual settlement. Ask how meters are read and whether the contract is in your name or the owner’s. Internet is often included in apartment buildings with collective deals, but not always. Clarify speeds and whether you can choose another provider.
Tip for winter: In colder months, electricity bills can surprise people from warmer countries. Look for heat pumps and double glazing, and ask about last winter’s costs. If the owner gives you a number, treat it as an estimate, not a promise.
Inspections, Handover, and Getting Your Deposit Back
Norwegians like checklists. Do a move-in inspection with photos and a written handover form that lists every scratch and stain. Email the photos to the landlord that same day so there is a timestamp. When you leave, the place should be professionally clean, including oven, fridge, bathroom tiles, and windows. Save receipts. Return all keys, including the mailbox key.
If there is disagreement about damages, the deposit remains in the deposit account until you sort it out. Most issues settle quickly if you have a clear move-in protocol and photos.
Step-by-Step Plan You Can Follow
- Browse Finn.no and Hybel.no to map prices and neighborhoods, then shortlist five to eight apartments.
- Prepare a single PDF with passport, employment contract, payslips or bank statement, references, and a short intro.
- Book viewings and show up on time. Bring your PDF on your phone, and a printed one-page summary.
- After each viewing, send a short message of interest with your preferred move-in date.
- Review the contract carefully. Confirm deposit amount and that it goes to a deposit account in your name.
- Clarify utilities, internet, and any shared costs. Ask for a realistic monthly estimate.
- Do a photo-documented move-in inspection and email the photos immediately.
- Register your address once you move in and set up electricity and internet if needed.
Small Cultural Touches That Help
Take off shoes when you enter the apartment. Keep noise down after quiet hours. Sort waste correctly and follow building notices. If you plan a party, inform neighbors ahead of time. These small habits go a long way in Norway and make landlords and neighbors very happy.
Final Practical Tips Before You Sign
- Always insist on a proper written contract using a recognized template. It protects both sides.
- Never pay the deposit to a personal account. Use a deposit account or a formal guarantee.
- Be clear about your timeline. If your start date is firm, say it. Owners prefer certainty.
- Consider renters’ contents insurance, called innboforsikring. It is inexpensive and useful in case of water damage or theft.
- Ask about storage and bike parking. Many buildings have shared storage rooms and bicycle garages, which is handy in winter.
If you approach the process with patience and tidy documentation, Norway rewards you with stable housing and predictable rules. It may feel bureaucratic for a few weeks, then everything clicks into place. And when the first snow falls and your apartment is warm and quiet, it will feel worth the learning curve.