Know your rights
Familiarize yourself with the Tenancy Act. It is a law that regulates the obligations and rights between landlords and tenants. The Tenancy Act sets the minimum standards, and your contract cannot be worse than what is stated in the act. If something is not mentioned in the contract, the Tenancy Act applies. The law is dense and difficult to read, but the government has a website with various PDF files explaining the key points.
Attend viewings
Never rent anything unseen. Fortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has made video viewings more common, so there is no reason to rent without seeing the property. During the viewing, pay special attention to the condition of the bathroom and kitchen, ensuring that everything is in order and there is no mold.
If possible, it is a good idea to speak with someone who has lived there before. It's best if this conversation takes place without the landlord present. This way, you can learn about the actual experience of living there.
Create search alerts
Create a profile on hybel.no or finn.no so that landlords can find you in addition to actively searching for a home.
Contract and deposit
You should have a contract, and it should not be worse than the minimum requirements set by the Tenancy Act. Familiarize yourself with the contract before signing it. The contract should be signed before you move in. This provides security for both you and the landlord. If you haven't signed a contract, you have no rights.
Shared housing contract
In a shared housing situation, it's best to have individual contracts so that no one is responsible for anyone else except themselves. If there is a shared contract, it may be wise to create a shared housing contract, a written agreement among the residents.
Deposit
The deposit and first month's rent should be paid before you move in. If this is not possible, you must have a written agreement with the landlord stating an alternative arrangement. The deposit should be paid into a separate deposit account that the landlord is responsible for creating (and paying for). You should not have to pay anything to create a deposit account.
Moving in
Take pictures of any existing damages, flaws, wear and tear, and damages. This is useful to have when you move out to document what you are not responsible for. Remember to date the pictures. It is advisable to inform the landlord of such issues as soon as possible. Do this in writing.
Consider creating an inspection report, such as the one provided by the Norwegian Tenants' Association and Landlord Association (Huseiernes Landsforbund and Leieboerforeningen).
Maintenance
As a tenant, you are responsible for regular maintenance, including tasks such as changing light bulbs, replacing batteries in smoke detectors, cleaning drains, oiling locks, and other tasks necessary to keep the property in good condition. Learn about what the Tenancy Act says about maintenance here.
The landlord is responsible for fixtures and fittings (what this entails may vary, but should be specified in the contract. If nothing is mentioned, the Tenancy Act applies).
All communication with the landlord should be in writing
This way, you have something to refer to if an agreement is not upheld. If you do have verbal communication, such as over the phone, request to receive the same information in writing. A simple text message is sufficient, so it's not a lot to ask for.
Valid grounds for termination
The landlord must have a valid reason to terminate the tenancy. This can be if you, as the tenant, fail to fulfill your obligations, or if the landlord needs to renovate, move into the property themselves, or sell it. The termination must be in writing, and as a tenant, you have the right to complain.
Change in rent
The rent can be changed once a year according to the consumer price index. This change should be notified at least one month in advance.
If you need legal assistance
Membership in the Tenants' Association costs 250 NOK per year and includes a certain amount of legal assistance and discounted prices for additional help beyond the included services.
The Tenancy Dispute Boardcan help in case of conflicts in the tenancy.
Student Lawyer is a legal service for students. It's free to contact them, and they specialize in relevant cases involving students, such as conflicts with landlords.
Jussbuss is a service run by law students that offers free legal assistance in individual cases.