How to avoid being scammed in the private rental market

Check the home and ask questions

Go to a viewing if you can, and read the advertisement thoroughly. Ask questions – preferably in writing (SMS/email), so you have it documented.

Look for:

• Damp, mold or poor ventilation
• Damage to walls, windows and doors
• Heating – how does it work?
• Fire safety
• Whether the kitchen, bathroom and white goods are working

Ask about:

• What is included in the rent
• Electricity, internet, furniture and storage room
• Rules in the dwelling and common areas, such as laundry facilities and how many people share common areas
• Have there been problems with noise or pests

Read the contract thoroughly – especially in collective agreements

Read the entire contract before you sign – including the fine print.

Are you renting with others?

Check if you have a joint contract or an individual contract. With a joint contract, something called joint and several liability may occur. This means that you are jointly responsible. If you live with a tenant who does not pay their share, it means that you become responsible for rent, compensation, or other claims that another tenant should have paid or been responsible for.If you must have a joint contract, you should make clear agreements among yourselves about who is responsible for what, even if you are good friends.

Know how long you are committed

Check if the agreement is:

• Fixed-term (fixed period)
• Indefinite (ongoing)

Pay special attention to:

• Notice period
• Whether you can terminate at any time
• Whether there is a period in the contract where the agreement cannot be terminated
• What happens if you want to move out early

Even if you move out earlier, you must still pay rent if the agreement binds you further.If you are unsure about what applies, you should clarify this in writing with the landlord before you sign.Read more at the Housing Disputes Committee (HTU) about rental contracts and rental contracts when living in a shared flat.

Pay the deposit correctly

Many landlords require a security deposit. The deposit is the landlord's security for, among other things, unpaid rent or damages to the property.

A deposit must always:

Be held in a separate, blocked deposit account in the tenant's name. The landlord must pay to set up the account.

Do not pay a deposit:

• In cash
• Via Vipps
• To the landlord's private account

Read more from HTU about deposits.

Inbound and outbound

Go through the residence with the landlord when you move in:

• Take pictures.
• Feel free to write a list ("move-in protocol") describing the condition of the residence and any damages/defects.

Also remember:

• Report errors and defects quickly and in writing, also continuously during the tenancy. Also report errors and defects that you yourself have not caused.
• As a tenant, you have a duty to help limit the extent of the damage.

Go through the residence with the landlord also when you move out:

• Take new pictures.
• Feel free to write a list ("move-out protocol") describing the condition of the residence and any damages/defects.
• If you disagree with something the landlord writes, you should not sign without adding a note.

Also remember:

• When you move out, the residence should normally be tidied and cleaned.
• Monitor that the deposit is repaid.
• Return keys on time.
• As a general rule, the residence is considered returned when the keys are handed over. Late key delivery can have financial consequences.

If something goes wrong

If there is a disagreement with the landlord, you should first gather documentation, such as contracts, messages, photos, and payment information. If you need advice on what to do, you can contact free legal aid, for example, Jussbuss. They can provide legal guidance in specific cases.

What do the words mean?

Here you will find an overview of words and expressions you may encounter when renting a home.