Can a landlord require a deposit in Norway?
Yes — a landlord may require a deposit, but max six months' rent, and the rules are strict. Under the Tenancy Act the deposit may be at most six months' rent, and it must sit on a separate blocked deposit account in the tenant's own name. The landlord may never hold it in cash or on their own account, and the landlord pays the fee to open the account. Rent can rise once a year, and only by the consumer price index (CPI). Only after two and a half years can the landlord seek adjustment to "market rent", with six months' written notice. Disputes are handled cheaply by the Tenancy Dispute Committee. The Act cannot be waived to the tenant's disadvantage.
📋 The rules
- Deposit max six months' rent
- It must sit on a blocked deposit account in your name
- The landlord pays the fee to open the account
- Rent rise once a year, only by CPI
- Adjustment to market rent only after 2.5 years, 6 months' notice
🔓 Exceptions
- Renting a room in the landlord's own home can have a shorter minimum term (1 year)
- A student welfare joint account has a lower cap of three months
- Short-term or interim lettings can have a shorter term
⚠️ Penalties & fines
A deposit not on a proper blocked account (cash or the landlord's account) is illegal. The tenant can demand it back at any time and is generally entitled to delay interest from the day it was paid. Disputes are handled by the Tenancy Dispute Committee.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
How much deposit can the landlord require?
Max six months' rent. The deposit and any guarantee together also cannot exceed six months.
Where must the deposit sit?
On a separate blocked deposit account in your own name. The landlord may never hold it in cash or on their own account.
Who pays for the deposit account?
The landlord pays the fee to open the account. The interest accrues to the tenant.
How much can the rent be raised?
Once a year, and only in line with the consumer price index. Adjustment to market rent can only happen after 2.5 years.
What do I do if the deposit is not held correctly?
You can demand it back at any time and are generally entitled to delay interest. Disputes go to the Tenancy Dispute Committee.
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