Can landlord include electricity in rent in Norway?
As a tenant you may face questions about who pays for electricity and heating. In Norway practices vary: some rental agreements include shared costs for electricity or district heating, others require separate metering and settlement. It is important to understand what the contract says, what the Tenancy Act requires[1], and how billing and documentation should be handled. This guide explains rights and duties for both tenants and landlords, gives concrete advice on what to request when payments are unclear, and shows where to get help if a dispute arises. Read on for practical steps, frequently asked questions and links to official information in Norway.
What can be agreed?
The parties can usually agree that electricity or heating is included in the rent, or that the tenant pays for their own consumption. If the cost is included, the contract must be clear about what is covered. If the landlord requires separate settlement, this must be documented and fairly allocated.
Common arrangements
- Included in rent: fixed price or shared costs for electricity and heating.
- Separate metering with settlement and payment per tenant.
- Shared meter where the landlord distributes costs based on an allocation key.
Settlement should be transparent: itemized invoices, meter readings and allocation principles make it easier to verify claims. In case of disagreement, the Tenancy Disputes Tribunal can provide advice or decisions.[2]
What tenants should do
- Check the rental agreement for wording about electricity or heating.
- Request written settlement, copies of invoices and receipts.
- Record meter readings and take photos at move-in and move-out.
- Contact the Tenancy Disputes Tribunal for guidance if you disagree.[2]
FAQ
- Can a landlord cut off electricity if I don’t pay rent?
- No, disconnecting electricity without legal basis is serious and is governed by different rules than tenancy termination; in cases of non-payment the landlord can demand payment, send to debt collection and possibly start legal proceedings which may end in the courts.[3]
- What if the contract says electricity is included?
- If electricity is included, the landlord must be able to document the cost and cannot demand unreasonable additional charges without agreement. The tenant can request detailed settlements and documentation from the landlord.[1]
- Where do I complain if there is a dispute about settlement?
- If you disagree, first ask the landlord for a written explanation and then contact the Tenancy Disputes Tribunal for mediation or decision. For larger claims the case can be taken to the courts.[2][3]
How to
- Obtain written documentation: the contract, emails and messages about the agreement.
- Collect receipts, invoices and meter readings for the relevant period.
- Request a detailed written settlement and give a reasonable deadline for response.
- Contact the Tenancy Disputes Tribunal for free guidance on further steps.[2]
- Consider legal action or conciliation court if the case cannot be resolved through dialogue or HTU.[3]
Key takeaways
- All payments for electricity or heating should be clearly described in the rental agreement.
- Obtain written settlement and documentation when asked to pay extra charges.
- Use the Tenancy Disputes Tribunal for guidance or complaint in Norway.
Help and Support / Resources
- HTU - Tenancy Disputes Tribunal
- Lovdata - Tenancy Act
- The Courts - information on conciliation and legal procedures
